Avaliação de dietas alternativas para criação de imaturos de Chrysoperla externa (Hagen) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) para fins de criação massal

Abstract

Mass rearing of insects has expanded significantly in the agricultural industry, promoting the development and support of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approaches. The development of insect rearing methods and quality control parameters are essential for the supply of insects in terms of quantity, quality and economic viability. In this context, the objective of this study was to compare different diets on biological parameters of immature Chrysoperla externa (Hagen) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) for mass rearing purposes in the laboratory. The methodology involved the collection and identification of predators in corn crops, the rearing of immatures under controlled conditions and the provision of diets according to the designated treatment. A completely randomized design with two treatments (diets) and 50 replicates was used, where newly hatched larvae were fed with eggs of Ephestia kuehniella Zeller (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) or bovine liver. The results showed significant differences in larval stages when fed with E. kuehniella eggs, presenting faster development and higher survival rate (100%) compared to those fed with bovine liver (76%). The total development time was shorter for larvae fed with E. kuehniella eggs (24.84 days) compared to bovine liver (34 days). There was no change in the expected sex ratio of 1:1. It is concluded that, although bovine liver can be used as an alternative or complementary diet in the mass rearing of Ch. externa, E. kuehniella eggs provide better development of this predator. Future research should be carried out to investigate the impact of diets on the reproduction and longevity of Ch. externa adults