Utilization of germinated broad bean seeds as an oviposition substrate in mass rearing of the predatory bug, Orius sauten (Poppius) (Heteroptera: Anthocoridae)

Abstract

Utilization of germinated broad bean seed (Vicia faba L.) as an alternative oviposition substrate for Orius sauteri (Poppius), a candidate biological control agent against thrips, was investigated under condition of 24°C and 16L : 8D. O. sauteri could lay eggs in a juvenile root of germinated broad bean seed provided as an oviposition substrate and these eggs could hatch with 97.1% hatch rate. Both nymphs and adults of O. sauteri were successfully reared on diet of the Mediterranean flour moth eggs (Ephestia kuehniella Zeller) with germinated broad beans as an oviposition substrate and without supplemental water supply. Mean developmental time from hatching to adult eclosion was 12.9 days for males and 13.3 days for females. Mean longevity of ovipositing females was 41.5 days and the total mean number of eggs laid per female was 108.7. Germinated broad beans could provide water and were suitable as an oviposition substrate. Germinated broad bean seeds with eggs could be stored at 2.5°C to 12.5°C for one week and these eggs could hatch at high rates. Thus, germinated broad bean seed appeared to be a suitable oviposition substrate for mass production of O. sauteri.