Simple artificial diets for mass-reproduction of the legume pod borer, Maruca vitrata (Lepidoptera: Crambidae)

Abstract

Twelve artificial diets were tested for suitability in the laboratory rearing of legume pod borer larvae, Maruca vitrata, under 25°C and 14L10D conditions. The larval developmental periods were significantly longer in all artificial diet regimes and pupal weight was heavier than in the natural diet regime. The survival rates to adult emergence on 30-50% cowpea and 10-70% azuki artificial diets were not significantly different from those of the natural diet. One female laid about 500 eggs on 30%, 70% cowpea artificial diets and 30-70% azuki artificial diets and can develop by mass-rearing in the laboratory. All 12 artificial diet regimes allowed the insects to complete their development. The 30-50% cowpea diets and 30-70% azuki diets were the most suitable for mass-rearing, because the daily reproductive rates (fecundity x emergence rate x copulation rate/(developmental duration + duration for a maximum oviposition day)) were the highest (5.2-6.6 eggs/day/female).