Optimization an Optimal Artificial Diet for the Predatory Bug Orius sauteri (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae)

Abstract

BackgroundThe flower bug Orius sauteri is an important polyphagous predator that is widely used for the biological control of mites and aphids. However, the optimal conditions for mass rearing of this insect are still unclear, thus limiting its application.MethodologyIn this study, we investigated the optimal ingredients of an artificial diet for raising O. sauteri using a microencapsulation technique. The ingredients included egg yolk (vitellus), whole-pupa homogenate of the Tussah silk moth (Antheraea paphia), honey, sucrose, rapeseed (Brassica napus) pollen and sinkaline. We tested 25 combinations of the above ingredients using an orthogonal experimental design. Using statistical analysis, we confirmed the main effect factors amongst the components, and selected five optimal combinations based on different biological and physiological characters.Principal FindingsThe results showed that, although different artificial diet formats significantly influenced the development and reproductive ability of O. sauteri, the complete development of O. sauteri to sexual maturity could only be achieved by optimizing the artificial diet according to specific biological characters. In general, pupae of A. paphia had more influence on O sauteri development than did artificial components. The results of a follow-up test of locomotory and respiratory capacity indicated that respiratory quotient, metabolic rate and average creeping speed were all influenced by different diets. Furthermore, the field evaluations of mating preference, predatory consumption and population dispersion also demonstrated the benefits that could be provided by optimal artificial diets.ConclusionsA microencapsulated artificial diet overcame many of the difficulties highlighted by previous studies on the mass rearing of O. sauteri. Optimization of the microencapsulated artificial diet directly increased the biological and physiological characters investigated. Successive physiological tests and field investigations were used to evaluate the outcome of different artificial diet combinations on the quality of the reared O. sauteri.

A Review of the Applications of Chitin and Its Derivatives in Agriculture to Modify Plant-Microbial Interactions and Improve Crop Yields

“…While chitosan treatments have been found to effective at controlling herbivorous insect pests, it has actually been used successfully as an ingredient in the artificial diet fed to carnivorous insects being reared for use in the biological control of chitinous pests [49]. This finding suggests that chitin-based products could potentially be less harmful to non-target insects than conventional insecticides.…”

Comparative suitability of aphids, thrips and mites as prey for the flower bug Orius sauteri (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae)

“…2). The survival rate from first instar nymph to adult rearing procedures, alternative diets, and artificial oviposition substrates (Guo & Wan, 2001;Murai et al, 2001;Guo et al, 2002;Tan et al, 2010). With these considerations in mind, we compared the relative suitability of six herbivorous arthropods as prey for O. sauteri.…”

Optimization and evaluation of microencapsulated artificial diet for mass rearing the predatory ladybird Propylea japonica (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)

“…Our previous work indicated a significantly higher consistency in characteristics of microencapsulated artificial diets, which were sufficient for development and reproduction of the flower bug Orius sauteri (Tan et al ., ). Further, we developed a series of suitable artificial diet recipes in the form of microcapsules (Tan et al ., ). Based on these results, a commercial massive rearing line of O. sauteri fed on artificial diet microcapsules were established.…”

“…To address some of these negative features of liquid artificial diets, the microencapsulation technique was introduced for improving physical properties (Thompson, ). Although this technique has been widely utilized in packaging of microbial agents and chemical pesticides in pest management, and in the production of medicines (Jones et al ., ; Yazlovetsky, ; Gharsallaoui et al ., ; Tan et al ., ), few studies have been made on the application of microencapsulation for packaging artificial diet. Our previous work indicated a significantly higher consistency in characteristics of microencapsulated artificial diets, which were sufficient for development and reproduction of the flower bug Orius sauteri (Tan et al ., ).…”

“…Although this technique has been widely utilized in packaging of microbial agents and chemical pesticides in pest management, and in the production of medicines (Jones et al ., ; Yazlovetsky, ; Gharsallaoui et al ., ; Tan et al ., ), few studies have been made on the application of microencapsulation for packaging artificial diet. Our previous work indicated a significantly higher consistency in characteristics of microencapsulated artificial diets, which were sufficient for development and reproduction of the flower bug Orius sauteri (Tan et al ., ). Further, we developed a series of suitable artificial diet recipes in the form of microcapsules (Tan et al ., ).…”