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An improved core-shell microcapsule diet for rearing larvae of Mallada basalis (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae).

BACKGROUND
Green lacewings (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) are important beneficial insects that can be raised on artificial diets for culturing experimental lines. An encapsulation method for embedding a core material within a sealed shell to prevent evaporation and biological contamination is crucial for providing food for these predatory insects.


RESULTS
This study presents a new encapsulation process to mass produce the core-shell microcapsule diet for rearing Mallada basalis (Walker) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae). This new process provided consistent quality control and effectiveness of the microcapsule diet (742.1 ± 11.3 μm in diameter and 44.2 ± 1.9 μm in shell thickness). Furthermore, significant differences were measured in larval development (24.0 ± 0.3 vs. 20.1 ± 0.6 days) and fecundity (465 ± 65.05 vs. 678 ± 54.91 eggs) in comparing development of M. basalis larvae fed with the old and new diets. Survival rates increased in both single-rearing and group-rearing tests for adults that were fed the new diet during larval stages. Neither diet affected predation rates of M. basalis larvae preying on nymphs of Aphis gossypii Glover (Hemiptera: Aphididae) and Bemisia argentifolli Bellows and Perring (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae).


CONCLUSION
Compared with the old process, the new encapsulation process reduced effort required during preparation as well as the weight, cost and space occupied by the equipment. The results of this study suggest that this new spherical microcapsule artificial diet is suitable for the group-rearing of M. basalis and may be an appropriate formulation for the mass-rearing of other types of carnivorous insects. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.