REARING ORIUS LAEVIGATUS ON
CYSTS OF THE BRINE SHRIMP ARTEMIA FRANCISCANA
Y. Arijs, P. De Clercq-2001
Biological Control, 21(1): 79-83
Abstract:
Development and reproduction of Orius
laevigatus (Fieber) on cysts of the brine shrimp Artemia
franciscana Kellogg were compared with those on eggs of
the Mediterranean flour moth, Ephestia kuehniella
Zeller. Cysts had to be hydrated for successful
development of the predator. Developmental period on
decapsulated cysts stored in dry form was shorter than
that on nondecapsulated cysts or E. kuehniella
eggs, but adult weights were similar. Predators
provided with decapsulated cysts stored in saturated
brine developed at a rate similar to that of those fed
lepidopteran eggs, but body weight of attained females
was lower. Survival of O. laevigatus nymphs fed
non-decapsulated A. franciscana cysts averaged
56% compared to 79-98% for those fed decapsulated
cysts or lepidopteran eggs. Total fecundity and
oviposition rate on decapsulated cysts stored in dry
form were similar to those on flour moth eggs,
averaging 125 eggs per female and 3.5 eggs per female
per day, respectively. Females provided with decapsulated
cysts kept in brine solution produced significantly
fewer eggs, with an average of 57 eggs per female.
Predators fed on deep-frozen decapsulated and hydrated
cysts had developmental rates lower than but
fecundities similar to those offered E. kuehniella eggs.
The nutritional value and economic viability of brine
shrimp cysts as a factitious food for the mass
production of Orius bugs are discussed.
(Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Crop
Protection, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium, Fax:
+32-9-264.62.39, e-mail of P. De Clercq: Patrick.DeClercq@rug.ac.be)