New method for rearing Spodoptera frugiperda in laboratory shows that larval cannibalism is not obligatory

Author(s)

Bezerra Da Silva, Cherre Sade ^[1] ; Postali Parra, Jose Roberto ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Lab Biol Insetos, Dept Entomol & Acarol, Escola Super Agr Luiz de Queiroz, BR-13418900 Piracicaba, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Revista Brasileira de Entomologia; v. 57, n. 3, p. 347-349, JUL-SEP 2013.
• Web of Science Citations: 8

Abstract

New method for rearing Spodoptera frugiperda in laboratory shows that larval cannibalism is not obligatory. Here we show, for the first time, that larvae of the fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae), can be successfully reared in a cohort-based manner with virtually no cannibalism. FAW larvae were reared since the second instar to pupation in rectangular plastic containers containing 40 individuals with a surprisingly ca. 90% larval survivorship. Adult females from the cohort-based method showed fecundity similar to that already reported on literature for larvae reared individually, and fertility higher than 99%, with the advantage of combining economy of time, space and material resources. These findings suggest that the factors affecting cannibalism of FAW larvae in laboratory rearings need to be reevaluated, whilst the new technique also show potential to increase the efficiency of both small and mass FAW rearings. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 07/07054-8 - Release model of Telenomus remus Nixon (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) and Trichogramma atopovirilia Oatman & Platner (Hym.: Trichogrammatidae) for control of Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
• Grantee: Cherre Sade Bezerra da Silva
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate