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Riddick EW, Walker RC, Rojas MG, Morales-Ramos JA. Evaluation of Black Soldier Fly Hermetia illucens as Food for Pink-Spotted Lady Beetle Coleomegilla maculata. INSECTS 2023; 14:902. [PMID: 38132576 PMCID: PMC10744256 DOI: 10.3390/insects14120902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
The discovery of new and improved factitious and artificial diets is necessary for cost-effective rearing of predatory arthropods. This study evaluated Hermetia illucens black soldier fly (BSF) as a suitable alternative food source for rearing the predatory coccinellid Coleomegilla maculata (Cmac). The hypothesis that BSF larval powder was suitable food to support the growth, development, and reproduction of Cmac was tested in the laboratory. When compared to a standard in-house diet containing brine shrimp egg powder plus Chlorella vulgaris green algae and myristic acid (BSE+CM), the BSF and BSF+CM diets reduced immature growth and development. Immatures successfully reared to teneral adults were smaller when fed BSF or BSF+CM rather than BSE+CM. Combining BSF with a powdered artificial diet (AD), i.e., BSF+AD, did not improve predator growth or development, compared to Cmac reared on BSE+CM. Cmac oviposition responses, i.e., egg clutch production, to BSF vs. BSE+CM or BSF+AD vs. BSE+CM did not differ significantly. In conclusion, BSF has the potential to be food that supports Cmac oviposition behavior. Future research is necessary to discover an ideal mixture of BSF, BSE+CM, or AD that supports Cmac growth, development, and reproduction over multiple generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric W. Riddick
- National Biological Control Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Stoneville, MS 38776, USA; (R.C.W.); (M.G.R.); (J.A.M.-R.)
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Riddick EW, Wu Z, Chen J. Differential Susceptibility of Coleomegilla maculata and Scymnus creperus Larvae to Aggression by Solenopsis invicta Workers. INSECTS 2023; 14:318. [PMID: 37103133 PMCID: PMC10144948 DOI: 10.3390/insects14040318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
The biological control of aphids by aphidophagous coccinellids is often hampered by aphid-tending ants or aggressive, invasive ants foraging for food. Aggressive species such as the imported fire ant Solenopsis invicta Buren may attack and kill coccinellid larvae. This study tested the hypothesis that wax-secreting Scymnus creperus Mulsant larvae are less susceptible than non-wax-secreting Coleomegilla maculata (DeGeer) larvae to S. invicta aggression. Laboratory experiments were set up using bird cherry-oat aphid Rhopalosiphum padi (L.) nymphs and adults (as prey for coccinellids) on barley leaves in arenas with either coccinellid species and with or without S. invicta workers. The presence of S. invicta reduced aphid predation by C. maculata but not Sc. creperus. The frequency of S. invicta attack was greater for C. maculata than Sc. creperus; mortality was significantly greater for C. maculata than Sc. creperus. The wax covering on Sc. creperus reduced S. invicta aggression. Unexpectedly, Sc. creperus larvae with the wax cover removed did not suffer more S. invicta attacks or increased mortality. In conclusion, the wax cover and, perhaps, the volatile or non-volatile compounds in the wax and on the integument of Sc. creperus larvae reduce S. invicta aggression. Further research could identify the wax compounds and determine their functionality as semiochemicals against S. invicta.
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Ebrahimifar J, Shishehbor P, Rasekh A, Hemmati SA, Riddick EW. Evaluation of Artemia franciscana Cysts to Improve Diets for Mass Rearing Stethorus gilvifrons, a Predator of Tetranychus turkestani. INSECTS 2021; 12:insects12070632. [PMID: 34357292 PMCID: PMC8303458 DOI: 10.3390/insects12070632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary The ladybird beetle Stethorus gilvifrons is a native predator of spider mites in the Mediterranean region that could be mass-reared and released to control spider mite populations on crop plants. The aim of this research was to test the hypothesis that brine shrimp cysts can improve diets for mass rearing of S. gilvifrons in the absence of prey, i.e., spider mites. The diet treatments included brine shrimp cysts alone (D1), brine shrimp cysts plus a vitamin B complex (D2), brine shrimp cysts plus date palm pollen (D3), or brine shrimp cysts plus date palm pollen and Mediterranean flour moth eggs (D4). The results revealed that only two diets, D3 and D4, supported predator development to the adult stage and reproduction. The predator reproductive rate and life table estimates indicated that D4 was superior. In conclusion, only a mixed diet of brine shrimp cysts, date palm pollen, and flour moth eggs is suitable for mass rearing S. gilvifrons. Abstract Stethorus gilvifrons is an acarophagous coccinellid distributed in the Mediterranean region and could potentially be mass-reared for the augmentative biological control of Tetranychus turkestani and related species on crop plants. The hypothesis that brine shrimp Artemia franciscana cysts can improve diets for rearing of S. gilvifrons was tested in laboratory experiments. The diet treatments included A. franciscana cysts (D1), A. franciscana cysts plus a vitamin B complex (D2), A. franciscana cysts plus date palm pollen (D3), and A. franciscana cysts plus date palm pollen and Ephestia kuehniella eggs (D4). The results indicated that D1 did not support immature development. D2 supported egg–larval development but not pupal–adult development. Both D3 and D4 supported development to the adult stage and reproduction. However, D4 was the most effective diet, determined by observations of S. gilvifrons oviposition behavior and fecundity. A life table analysis corroborated these results; an intrinsic rate of increase, net and gross reproductive rates, and mean generation time were best for S. gilvifrons fed D4 rather than D3. A mixed diet composed of A. franciscana cysts, date palm pollen, and E. kuehniella eggs can be used to mass rear S. gilvifrons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jafar Ebrahimifar
- Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz 61357-43311, Iran; (J.E.); (P.S.); (A.R.); (S.A.H.)
| | - Parviz Shishehbor
- Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz 61357-43311, Iran; (J.E.); (P.S.); (A.R.); (S.A.H.)
| | - Arash Rasekh
- Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz 61357-43311, Iran; (J.E.); (P.S.); (A.R.); (S.A.H.)
| | - Seyed Ali Hemmati
- Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz 61357-43311, Iran; (J.E.); (P.S.); (A.R.); (S.A.H.)
| | - Eric W. Riddick
- National Biological Control Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Stoneville, MS 38776, USA
- Correspondence:
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Pijnakker J, Vangansbeke D, Duarte M, Moerkens R, Wäckers FL. Predators and Parasitoids-in-First: From Inundative Releases to Preventative Biological Control in Greenhouse Crops. FRONTIERS IN SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS 2020. [DOI: 10.3389/fsufs.2020.595630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Repeated mass introductions of natural enemies have been widely used as a biological control strategy in greenhouse systems when the resident population of natural enemies is insufficient to suppress the pests. As an alternative strategy, supporting the establishment and population development of beneficials can be more effective and economical. The preventative establishment of predators and parasitoids, before the arrival of pests, has become a key element to the success of biological control programs. This “Predators and parasitoids-in-first” strategy is used both in Inoculative Biological Control (IBC), and in Conservation Biological Control (CBC). Here, we provide an overview of tools used to boost resident populations of biocontrol agents.
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Riddick EW, Wu Z, Eller FJ, Berhow MA. Do Bioflavonoids in Juniperus virginiana Heartwood Stimulate Oviposition in the Ladybird Coleomegilla maculata? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INSECT SCIENCE 2018; 10:1179543318758409. [PMID: 29531477 PMCID: PMC5843096 DOI: 10.1177/1179543318758409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2017] [Accepted: 11/10/2017] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Maximizing the reproductive potential of ladybird beetles fed factitious foods or artificial diets, in lieu of natural prey, is a major challenge to cost-effective mass rearing for augmentative biological control. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that compounds in redcedar, Juniperus virginiana, stimulate oviposition in the ladybird Coleomegilla maculata. We also tested the prediction that several bioflavonoids, identified in heartwood fractions, elicited this behavioral response. Phenolic compounds were extracted from J. virginiana heartwood sawdust, separated into several fractions, then presented to adult beetles, in a powdered, pure form, in the laboratory. Females preferentially oviposited within 1 to 2 cm of fractions B, C, D, and E, but not A or the unfractionated extract, at the base of test cages. Chemical analysis identified bioflavonoids in heartwood fractions and subsequent bioassays using several identified in fractions C, D, and E confirmed that quercetin, taxifolin, and naringenin (to a lesser extent) stimulated oviposition. All tested fractions and bioflavonoids readily adhered to the chorion of freshly laid eggs but did not reduce egg hatch. This study demonstrates that several bioflavonoids stimulate oviposition by C. maculata and could be useful for mass rearing programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric W Riddick
- National Biological Control Laboratory, Jamie Whitten Delta States Research Center, USDA-ARS, Stoneville, MS, USA
| | - Zhixin Wu
- National Biological Control Laboratory, Jamie Whitten Delta States Research Center, USDA-ARS, Stoneville, MS, USA
| | - Fred J Eller
- Functional Foods Research Unit, National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, USDA-ARS, Peoria, IL, USA
| | - Mark A Berhow
- Functional Foods Research Unit, National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, USDA-ARS, Peoria, IL, USA
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Morales-Ramos JA, Rojas MG. Temperature-Dependent Biological and Demographic Parameters of Coleomegilla maculata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae). JOURNAL OF INSECT SCIENCE (ONLINE) 2017; 17:3573845. [PMID: 28423419 PMCID: PMC5416751 DOI: 10.1093/jisesa/iex028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2016] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Knowledge of the most suitable environmental conditions for an organism growth and development is a prerequisite for developing mass rearing technology. The temperature requirements for development and the optimal range of temperatures for growth and reproduction of Coleomegilla maculata De Geer were studied. The development time of individual C. maculata larvae was determined at 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 33, and 36 °C. Development times were converted to development rates and fitted to a nonlinear temperature-dependent model and to the linear day-degree model. Life and fertility table analysis was used to determine the optimal temperature for population growth within a range of favorable temperatures including 24, 25, 26, 27, and 28 °C. Nonlinear estimates of thermal maximum (TM) for the postembryonic development of C. maculata was 35.09 ± 10.35 °C. Estimation of TM based on pupal development was much lower at 27.23 ± 1.52 °C. Linear and nonlinear estimates of low temperature development threshold were 13.13 ± and 4.77 ± 3.03 °C for the whole postembryonic development and 10.95 and 9.18 ± 1.36 °C for the pupal stage alone, respectively. The most favorable temperature for population growth was 25 °C, where C. maculata showed significantly higher intrinsic rate of increase (rm = 0.066) and significantly lower doubling time (10.57 d) than the other favorable temperatures tested. A negative value of rm was obtained at 28 °C, indicating population decline occurring at this temperature making it unfavorable for C. maculata.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan A Morales-Ramos
- USDA-ARS, National Biological Control Laboratory, Biological Control of Pests Research Unit, Stoneville, MS (; )
| | - M Guadalupe Rojas
- USDA-ARS, National Biological Control Laboratory, Biological Control of Pests Research Unit, Stoneville, MS (; )
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Riddick EW, Wu Z. Effects of Rearing Density on Survival, Growth, and Development of the Ladybird Coleomegilla maculata in Culture. INSECTS 2015; 6:858-68. [PMID: 26466904 PMCID: PMC4693175 DOI: 10.3390/insects6040858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2015] [Revised: 10/06/2015] [Accepted: 10/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Our research focuses on developing techniques to rear ladybird beetles (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae). We evaluated the effects of rearing density on survival, growth, and development of Coleomegilla maculata. The hypothesis that a low to moderate rearing density has limited or no effects on survival and development was tested. C. maculata first instars were reared to pupae at a density of 1, 5, 10, 15, or 20 individuals per arena (2.5 cm high, 9.0 cm diameter, and 159 cm3 volume) and fed powdered brine shrimp (Artemia franciscana) eggs. More larvae survived at the 1 and 5 densities, but no differences were detected between the 10, 15, or 20 densities. Median survival rate was at least 90% for larvae and 100% for pupae at the 10, 15, and 20 densities. Development time, body weight, and sex ratio were unaffected by rearing density. Overall, this study suggests that C. maculata larvae can be reared successfully at a density of 20 larvae/159 cm3 (≈ 0.126 larvae/cm3) in containers provisioned with powdered A. franciscana eggs. Scaling-up the size of containers, and C. maculata density in these containers, should be possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric W Riddick
- National Biological Control Laboratory, Jamie Whitten Delta States Research Center, ARS-USDA, Stoneville, MS 38776, USA.
| | - Zhixin Wu
- National Biological Control Laboratory, Jamie Whitten Delta States Research Center, ARS-USDA, Stoneville, MS 38776, USA.
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