Artificial breeding technique of bamboo worm

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of artificial breeding techniques of bamboo worm, by seeking bamboo worm seed source worm, protecting bamboo worm seed source worm, after collecting female, male adult, then female and male adult in the same source bamboo are separated and respectively fed and then mated etc. A series of operations, finally complete artificial breeding, using the breeding technique of the application, realize the purpose of large-scale artificial breeding bamboo worm, solve the market demand, solve the problem of seed source tends to exhaustion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of aquaculture technology, specifically relating to an artificial breeding technique for bamboo worms and its preparation method. Background Technology

[0002] Bamboo worms, also known as bamboo maggots, are the larvae of the bamboo shoot borer (Chilo Zincken) belonging to the genus Chilo Zincken in the family Pyralidae. Bamboo worms have the longest larval stage among edible insects. Their anti-aging and immune-enhancing physiological functions are increasingly being proven by medical and academic research, leading to growing market demand. The supply of naturally wild bamboo worms cannot meet the demand, and the breeding stock is nearing depletion. Therefore, artificial breeding techniques are crucial. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of the shortcomings of the existing technology, the purpose of this invention is to provide an artificial breeding technology for bamboo worms.

[0004] The objective of this invention is achieved through the following technical solution: an artificial breeding technology for bamboo worms, comprising the following steps:

[0005] (1) From October to June of the following year, search for bamboo insect seed bamboo with the characteristics of emerging holes, deformed bamboo nodes and striped gaps in bamboo walls in the wild bamboo forest. Then protect the seed bamboo in place to achieve the purpose of controlling and collecting bamboo insects and bamboo insect pupae in the seed bamboo in place, and obtain the seed bamboo insects and seed bamboo insect pupae.

[0006] (2) After finding the source bamboo, the breathable bamboo insect seed source protection net is tightly attached to the outlet of the source bamboo to protect the bamboo insects inside the source bamboo from being harmed by natural enemies. The bamboo insects protected in the bamboo cavity begin to pupate at the end of May, and the source bamboo insect pupae are obtained.

[0007] (3) In early July of the following year, the bamboo insect seed source protection net is removed, and the female and male adult insect collection cages are placed over the seed source bamboo at the exit hole. The female and male adults that emerge from the pupae inside the seed source bamboo crawl out from the exit hole and enter the female and male adult insect collection cages placed over the exit hole. They cannot fly into the bamboo forest in all directions, thus achieving the purpose of collecting the female and male adults that emerge from the pupae inside the seed source bamboo in place.

[0008] (4) Separate the large female adults and small male adults collected from the same bamboo species in the female and male adult collection cages and put them into female adult collection cage A and male adult collection cage B respectively. After feeding them sugar water, female and male adults collected from different bamboo species in the female and male adult collection cages are placed into different female and male adult mating cages. Female and male adults from different bamboo species in their estrus period can mate freely in the mating cages to achieve the purpose of hybrid vigor. After mating, use female and male adult collection cages A and B to collect the mated female and male adults respectively. Feed the mated female adults sugar water and release the mated male adults into the wild.

[0009] (5) Place the egg-laying cage on the bamboo shoots in the wild bamboo forest, and use the A female adult collection cage to take out the mated female adults from the mating cage. Take 100 adults per cage each time, and then take them to the wild bamboo forest. Place them in the egg-laying cages placed on the bamboo shoots one by one. Determine the number of female adults to put in each bamboo shoot according to the diameter of the bamboo shoot. Put 3 adults in bamboo shoots with a diameter of 15 to 20 cm, and 2 adults in bamboo shoots with a diameter of 10 to 15 cm.

[0010] After mating, the female adult insects, attracted by the scent of bamboo shoots, lay their eggs on the surface of the bamboo shoots in the egg-laying cage. Based on the number of egg masses on the bamboo shoots and the diameter of the bamboo shoots, and referring to the table of bamboo shoot diameter and the number of bamboo insects raised, excess egg masses are manually removed in time and added to the surface of bamboo shoots with insufficient egg masses. This achieves the most cost-effective number of bamboo insects raised per bamboo shoot, achieving a win-win situation where both the bamboo shoots and the bamboo insects are alive.

[0011] (6) In the environment of light protection and humidity of more than 60% provided by the oviposition cage to protect the hatching of eggs and the crawling of the first-instar larvae to find the entry hole, the newly hatched first-instar larvae feed on the egg shells after hatching on the egg mass, crawl on the surface of the bamboo shoot, find the tenderest part, and collectively bite a 1 mm diameter entry hole. The first-instar larvae enter the bamboo shoot cavity through the entry hole in turn within 20 hours. Subsequently, the entry hole is closed due to the growth of the bamboo shoot. Due to the protective effect of the oviposition cage, the success rate of egg hatching and the entry of the first-instar larvae into the bamboo shoot cavity reaches more than 95%.

[0012] (7) Two days after the first-instar larvae enter the bamboo shoot cavity, remove the egg-laying cage, number the bamboo shoots used for raising bamboo worms, and record the number of raised bamboo worms.

[0013] About 20 days after the first instar larvae enter the bamboo shoot cavity, a large amount of sap will be observed to overflow from the edge of the bamboo shoot leaves, with a very special and unpleasant odor. The bamboo shoot leaves should be removed in time to expose the opening, so that food residue, molted skin, and rainwater in the bamboo shoot cavity can be discharged smoothly and in time through the opening. If the opening is found to be blocked, it should be cleared in time.

[0014] In October, after observing that food residue, molted skin, and rainwater no longer escaped from the emergence holes, a breathable bamboo worm breeding protection net was tightly attached to the emergence hole area, completing all artificial breeding steps.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0016] The breeding technology of this invention has enabled large-scale artificial breeding of bamboo worms, solving the market demand problem and the problem of depletion of breeding stock. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The present invention will be further described below with reference to embodiments, but this is not intended to limit the present invention in any way. Any modifications or substitutions made based on the teachings of the present invention shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0018] (I) Techniques and biological principles for collecting bamboo worm seed sources

[0019] The first step in artificially breeding bamboo worms is to find the source bamboo worms. Bamboo containing bamboo worms or bamboo worm pupae is called source bamboo, and the bamboo worms or bamboo worm pupae inside the source bamboo are called source bamboo worms or source bamboo worm pupae. From October to June of the following year, we search for source bamboo in the wild bamboo forests for bamboo worms that have characteristics such as emergence holes, deformed bamboo nodes, and striped crevices in the bamboo wall. Then, we protect the source bamboo in situ to control and collect the bamboo worms and bamboo worm pupae inside, thus obtaining the source bamboo worms or source bamboo worm pupae. A single source bamboo generally contains between 60 and 200 bamboo worms or bamboo worm pupae.

[0020] Biological Principle: Bamboo worms are the larvae of the bamboo shoot borer. The bamboo worms found in markets and restaurants are fifth-instar mature larvae. Life Cycle of the Bamboo Shoot Borer: Every year in July and August, at night, male and female adults of the bamboo shoot borer crawl out of their burrows to mate in the bamboo forest. After mating, the female adults lay eggs in the bamboo forest. The first-instar larvae that hatch from the eggs bite a 1 mm entry hole to enter the bamboo shoot cavity. Once inside the bamboo shoot cavity, the first-instar larvae bite a 1 cm exit hole from the inside out. This exit hole is the outlet for excrement, molted skin, and rainwater produced during the growth and development of the bamboo shoot cavity. The exit hole is a typical characteristic of bamboo shoots containing bamboo worms. Meanwhile, because bamboo worms of different ages feed on the tender bamboo wall at the tip of the bamboo shoot, the combined characteristics of bamboo shoots with bamboo worms in the bamboo forest are: shorter bamboo internodes, strip-shaped cracks in the bamboo wall, and an irregular opening of about 1 cm in diameter. The opening becomes more obvious when the bamboo shoot leaves fall off in September and October. The first-instar larvae molt four times in the bamboo shoot to become fifth-instar mature larvae, which are the bamboo worms that people eat. The fifth-instar mature larvae continue to pupate in June of the following year and emerge as adults in July, scientifically known as bamboo shoot borers. The male and female bamboo shoot borers crawl out of the opening and fly into the bamboo forest to mate and lay eggs, completing their life cycle.

[0021] (II) Techniques and biological principles for collecting bamboo worm pupae as seed sources

[0022] After finding the source bamboo, a breathable bamboo insect seed protection net is tightly attached to the exit hole of the source bamboo to protect the bamboo insects inside from natural enemies such as ants and geckos. The bamboo insects protected in the bamboo cavity will begin to pupate at the end of May of the following year until the end of June, and the bamboo insect pupae are obtained.

[0023] Bamboo insect breeding stock protection net: made of stainless steel breathable insect-proof net, the size and shape are determined according to the holes.

[0024] Biological principle: After completing four molts in late September or early October, the bamboo worms in the bamboo cavity become fifth-instar mature larvae. They return to the bamboo cavity of the bamboo node where they emerged and the bamboo cavity of the previous node through the passage hole in the bamboo cavity. They continue to pupate in the bamboo cavity of the bamboo node where they emerged and the bamboo cavity of the previous node in late May or early June of the following year. They become bamboo worm pupae and the pupal period lasts about 30 days.

[0025] (III) Techniques and biological principles for collecting female and male adult insects

[0026] At the end of June, the bamboo worm seed source protection net was removed, and the collection cages for female and male bamboo worms (bamboo shoot borers) were placed over the exit holes of the seed source bamboo. The female and male adults that emerge from the pupae inside the seed source bamboo crawl out of the exit holes and enter the collection cages for female and male adults placed over the exit holes, preventing them from scattering and flying into the bamboo forest. This achieves the effect of collecting the female and male adults that emerge from the pupae inside the seed source bamboo in situ.

[0027] Collection cages for male and female adult insects: made of plastic mesh with a mesh size not exceeding 0.2 cm, conical in shape, 20 cm long, with a large opening diameter of 15 cm and a small opening diameter of 4 cm.

[0028] Biological principle: After about 30 days of internal biochemical changes during the pupal stage, the bamboo worm pupae inside the seed bamboo differentiate and take shape, including the head, thorax, abdomen, wings, and limbs. After emerging from the high temperature and humidity of the bamboo forest in July and August, they crawl out through the emergence hole and enter the female and male adult collection cages placed on the emergence hole.

[0029] (IV) Mating Techniques and Biological Principles of Adult Bamboo Worms (Bamboo Shoot Borers)

[0030] Larger females and smaller males collected from the same bamboo species in the collection cages were separated and placed into cages A (females) and B (males), respectively. After feeding them sugar water, females and males collected from different bamboo species were placed in separate mating cages. The mating season of these adult insects from different bamboo species allowed for free mating, achieving hybrid vigor. After mating, the mated females and males were collected again from cages A and B. The mated females were fed sugar water, while the mated males were released into the wild.

[0031] Mating cages for male and female adults: These are square mating spaces made of plastic mesh (insect-proof netting) with a mesh size of no more than 0.2 cm, transparent plastic glass, and support posts. The mating cages are placed in a mating greenhouse. The plastic mesh (insect-proof netting) is located at the front, back, and bottom, primarily for ventilation. The transparent glass is located on the left, right, and top sides, primarily for observing the mating of male and female adults. The mating cage is rectangular, 200 cm long, 200 cm wide, and 100 cm high. There is an opening on the front, 60 cm long, 60 cm wide, and 30 cm high, primarily for the insertion of male and female adults during the mating season. The top glass cover is movable, primarily for removing mated male and female wasps from the cage.

[0032] Collection cages for male and female adults: Made of plastic mesh (insect-proof netting) with a mesh size of no more than 0.2 cm, cone-shaped, with a large opening diameter of 15 cm and small opening diameters of 2 cm and 3 cm. Use the collection cage with a small opening diameter of 2 cm to collect male adults that have crawled out of the exit hole and mated, and use the collection cage with a small opening diameter of 3 cm to collect female adults that have crawled out of the exit hole and mated.

[0033] Mating Greenhouse for Male and Female Bamboo Worms: The mating greenhouse is the mating space for male and female bamboo worms and is a key facility for the artificial and scientific breeding of bamboo worms. Greenhouse parameters: 10 meters long and 9 meters wide at the eaves, with a drip area of ​​90 square meters; cement floor; steel frame; asbestos tile roof; 100-degree apex angle; 2.5 meters high at the eaves. The main structure inside the greenhouse is a 56-square-meter enclosed mating space enclosed by stainless steel insect-proof netting, measuring 8 meters long, 7 meters wide, and 2 meters high. Several mating cages are placed inside the mating space, surrounded by fresh bamboo leaves and tender young bamboo shoots. The cages are spaced approximately 50 centimeters apart. Three humidifiers are placed inside the greenhouse and outside the mating space.

[0034] Biological Principle: In wild bamboo forests, male and female adults emerging from seed bamboo buds crawl out of their emergence holes and fly into the bamboo forest. They secrete and release sex hormones to attract each other, then mate in the bamboo forest. After mating, the male adults die, and the female adults lay white egg masses on bamboo shoots, leaves, and other objects. In the wild bamboo forest environment, due to the limited opportunities for male and female adults to meet during the mating season and the threat of predators such as ants and geckos, the survival rate, mating rate, and mating quality of both are low. Placing batches of male and female adults in mating cages within the mating space of a mating greenhouse greatly increases the opportunities for them to meet, improving the mating rate and quality. Artificially controlling the mating environment avoids predator damage and ensures the safety of the mating environment. Feeding sugar water to male and female adults before mating strengthens their physique and improves mating quality. Feeding sugar water to female adults after mating strengthens their physique and increases the quantity and quality of eggs laid.

[0035] (V) Oviposition, hatching techniques and biological principles of female adults

[0036] 1. Place egg-laying cages on bamboo shoots in a wild bamboo forest. Use a female adult collection cage (A type) to remove mated female adults from the mating cage, 100 adults per cage per batch. Then, take them to the wild bamboo forest and place them one by one into the egg-laying cages on the bamboo shoots. The number of female adults per shoot depends on the diameter of the bamboo shoot: 3 for shoots with a diameter of 15 to 20 cm, and 2 for shoots with a diameter of 10 to 15 cm. 2. Attracted by the scent of the bamboo shoots, the mated female adults will lay egg masses on the surface of the bamboo shoots in the egg-laying cages. Based on the number of egg masses on the bamboo shoots and the diameter of the bamboo shoots, refer to the chart comparing bamboo shoot diameter and the number of bamboo worms to be raised. Manually remove excess egg masses in a timely manner and replenish the surface of bamboo shoots with insufficient egg masses to achieve the most cost-effective bamboo worm production per bamboo shoot, achieving a win-win situation where both the bamboo shoot and the bamboo worms thrive. 3. Using oviposition cages can control the number and amount of oviposition masses laid by female adults in designated areas of bamboo shoots. Oviposition cages can also protect female adults and the development, hatching, and early instar larvae of oviposition masses on bamboo shoots. Furthermore, oviposition cages can provide a light-proof environment for oviposition masses on the surface of bamboo shoots and spray water on the cages to maintain a microenvironment with an air humidity of over 60%.

[0037] Egg masses: When female adult bamboo worms lay eggs on the surface of bamboo shoots, they discharge a white, sticky fluid. The eggs are protected by this fluid. After the fluid and eggs solidify on the bamboo shoot surface, most are round, and a few are irregularly shaped. Each egg mass contains 60 to 200 eggs. Newly laid egg masses are white, turning dark brown after about 10 days. The eggs in the egg masses then hatch into first-instar larvae with a body length of 1 mm.

[0038] Female adult oviposition cage: A cylindrical space, 60 cm long and 40 cm in diameter, enclosed by a stainless steel insect-proof net (or plastic mesh) with a mesh size of no more than 0.2 cm. Similar to a sleeve, both ends are completely sealed and tightly fitted onto the bamboo shoot, preventing gaps for natural enemies such as ants to enter. The middle part is supported by a plastic circle, creating a 6 cm space between the cage and the bamboo shoot surface. This space is conducive to the female adult's movement within the cage, laying egg masses on the bamboo shoot, protecting egg development, hatching, early-instar larvae crawling on the bamboo shoot, and collectively biting into the bamboo shoot cavity. It also helps to ensure the light-proof environment and an air humidity of over 60% required for egg development.

[0039] Biological Principles: 1. In wild bamboo forests, mated female adults, their egg masses, and the newly hatched larvae are eaten by predators such as geckos and ants. Egg-laying cages placed on bamboo shoots effectively prevent harm from these predators to the female adults, egg masses, and the newly hatched larvae crawling on the bamboo shoot surface before entering the bamboo cavity. The egg-laying cages provide the necessary light-proof environment and humidity (above 60%) for egg development and hatching, and prevent female adults from randomly flying around and laying eggs. 2. From the newly hatched larvae to the fifth instar mature bamboo worm, the bamboo worm grows and develops in the dark environment of the bamboo shoot cavity, feeding on the tender bamboo shoot tissue below the shoot tip. If there are too many bamboo worms inside the bamboo shoot cavity, and they consume too much, the bamboo shoot will die due to extensive damage to the tissue near the growth point. The bamboo worms inside will also die, resulting in a situation where both the shoot and the worms die. Conversely, if there are too few bamboo worms inside the bamboo shoot cavity, the bamboo shoot resources are not fully utilized, and the desired effect of raising bamboo worms from bamboo shoots is not achieved. The most cost-effective approach is based on the bamboo shoot diameter and the number of bamboo worms we have developed through years of practice. This achieves a win-win situation where both the shoot and the worms thrive. A visually representative example of a thriving bamboo shoot and worm population is when the shoot matures into a bamboo but its height does not exceed 2.5 meters, and it has lateral branches and leaves at the nodes.

[0040] (VI) Techniques and biological principles of early-instar larvae entering bamboo shoots

[0041] In the dark environment and with humidity above 60%, provided by the oviposition cage to protect the eggs during hatching and the early-instar larvae during their crawling search for an entry point, the newly hatched larvae feed on the eggshells left after hatching on the egg mass. They then crawl on the surface of the bamboo shoot, searching for the tenderest part, and collectively bite a 1 mm diameter entry hole. Within 20 hours (the time for crawling and biting the entry hole), the larvae enter the bamboo shoot cavity through the entry hole one by one. Subsequently, the entry hole closes due to the growth of the bamboo shoot. Thanks to the protective effect of the oviposition cage, the success rate of egg hatching and the entry of early-instar larvae into the bamboo shoot cavity reaches over 95%.

[0042] Biological Principles: Newly hatched larvae from egg masses are small and have very weak survival abilities, posing threats from both predators and climate. The enclosed environment created by the egg-laying cage effectively avoids predator damage. If there is no rain in the bamboo forest area within 20 hours of hatching, and the air humidity is below 60%, the newly hatched larvae will dehydrate and die. Manually sprinkling water on the egg-laying cages and bamboo shoots ensures that the air humidity inside the egg-laying cages is above 60%, and direct sunlight on the newly hatched larvae is avoided. Egg masses laid by the same female adult on a bamboo shoot result in newly hatched larvae collectively biting into a single entry hole to enter the bamboo shoot cavity. Egg masses laid by different female adults result in newly hatched larvae biting into individual entry holes to enter the bamboo shoot cavity. The number of entry holes on the bamboo shoot in July and August provides a preliminary indication of the number of newly hatched larvae inside the bamboo shoot cavity.

[0043] (VII) Techniques and biological principles of the growth and development of early-instar larvae in bamboo shoot cavities

[0044] Biological Principles: 1. Newly instar larvae entering bamboo shoots bite outwards through the bamboo shoot cavity within 48 hours, creating an exit hole about 1 cm in diameter. This exit hole is usually located near the bamboo node where the entry hole was. In July and August, the bamboo shoot leaves cover the larvae, but a sap with a distinctive odor oozes from the edges of the leaves. Based on the sap oozing, the odor, and the number of unsealed entry holes, one can preliminarily determine the status of the newly instar larvae inside the bamboo shoot cavity. 2. The eggs of different female adults hatch into newly instar larvae, each biting out an exit hole inside the bamboo shoot cavity. They then crawl upwards as the bamboo shoot grows, each biting a passage hole about 0.5 cm in diameter on the transverse wall of the bamboo node to enter the next bamboo shoot cavity. As the bamboo shoot grows, they feed on the tender bamboo shoot tissue below the tip. After four molts, they become fifth-instar larvae. After feeding extensively and fattening themselves, they become mature fifth-instar larvae that no longer feed. Bamboo worms have their largest appetite when they reach the 4th or 5th instar. The strip-shaped cracks appearing on the bamboo shoot walls in mid-to-late September are marks left by the 4th and 5th instar larvae after they have eaten through the shoot walls. This is the most cost-effective situation for raising bamboo worms using bamboo shoots, as the bamboo shoots are fully utilized without causing them to die. 3. By October, mature larvae descend along the passageways inside the bamboo shoot cavity to the bamboo node where the exit hole is located, or to the bamboo shoot cavity of the node above the exit hole. 4. After reaching the bamboo node where the exit hole is located, the fifth instar larvae spin a thick, rubbery membrane using their mouthparts. They immediately seal the passageway on the upper transverse wall of the bamboo node, then spin another thick, rubbery membrane to seal the exit hole. They then crawl into the bamboo shoot cavity of the exit hole and the node above it without eating or moving. The purpose of the thick membranes sealing the passageway and exit hole is to prevent rainwater and predators such as ants and geckos from entering the bamboo cavity where the mature bamboo worms reside and harming the larvae. As temperatures drop in early December, bamboo worms inside the bamboo cavity spin silk to form a thick, round, rubbery membrane at the lower end of the bamboo segment where the worm is located, sealing the entire bamboo cavity. Then, with their tails facing upwards and heads downwards, they hang upside down on the transverse wall of the bamboo segment inside the bamboo cavity to enter overwintering. They remain upside down until the end of May or the beginning of June of the following year to pupate. The function of this membrane is to protect the bamboo worms during overwintering and pupation.

[0045] Important Notes: 1. Two days after the first-instar larvae enter the bamboo shoot cavity, remove the egg-laying cage, number the bamboo shoots used for raising bamboo worms, and record the number of bamboo worms raised. 2. Approximately 20 days after the first-instar larvae enter the bamboo shoot cavity, observe a large amount of sap oozing from the edges of the bamboo shoot leaves, emitting a very distinctive and unpleasant odor. Remove the leaves promptly to expose the exit hole, allowing food residue, molted skin, rainwater, etc., to drain smoothly and promptly from the exit hole. If the exit hole is blocked, clear it immediately. 3. Once the exit hole stops draining food residue, molted skin, rainwater, etc., attach a breathable bamboo worm breeding stock protection net tightly to the exit hole area.

[0046] (VIII) Bamboo Insect Harvesting Techniques and Biological Principles

[0047] Biological principle: Fifth-instar mature bamboo worms remain inside the bamboo cavity from early October to early June of the following year, during which time fresh bamboo worms can be extracted and sold. Studies have shown that bamboo worms in October are rich in juvenile hormones, while bamboo worms before pupation in May of the following year are rich in cytokinins and active enzymes.

[0048] Techniques: 1. Bamboo worm farmers saw off and separated the bamboo segment containing the worm from the segment where it emerged or from the upper and lower parts of the previous segment. The bamboo segment was sold together and delivered to the consumer via express delivery. The consumer opened the bamboo, removed the live bamboo worms, weighed them, and then paid. The worms were then processed for consumption. 2. Bamboo worm farmers sawed open the bamboo cavity containing the worms, removed the live bamboo worms, weighed them, and after the consumer paid, placed the worms in a special bamboo worm preservation express box and delivered to the consumer under low-temperature conditions. The consumer then removed the worms and processed them for consumption.

[0049] (ix) Bamboo Forest Fertilization Techniques and Biological Principles

[0050] Biological Principles: The number and diameter of bamboo shoots are the most critical factors in the quality and yield of artificially raised bamboo worms. The soil fertility and moisture content of the bamboo grove determine the number and diameter of bamboo shoots produced by each grove each year. Therefore, bamboo grove fertilization is crucial. 1. Apply compound fertilizer to the bamboo grove and surrounding area every April to increase soil fertility. Fill the bamboo grove and surrounding area with soil and irrigate to increase the area where the roots of old bamboo and new bamboo shoots can absorb water and fertilizer. 2. Through fertilization and irrigation, the goal is to achieve an industry effect where each grove produces 8 to 10 new bamboo shoots per year, with an average diameter of 15 cm, an average of 6 new bamboo shoots per grove for raising bamboo worms, and an average yield of 0.8 catties of bamboo worms per bamboo shoot.

[0051] (X) Analysis of bamboo worm production, sales and output value

[0052] 1. Artificially cultivated bamboo species such as Dalong bamboo and Ma bamboo produce bamboo shoots with an average diameter of 16 cm. Each bamboo shoot can produce 1 jin (500 grams) of bamboo worms. With 150 bamboo shoots per mu (667 square meters), 150 jin (750 kilograms) of bamboo worms can be produced. At 100 yuan per jin, the output value is 15,000 yuan.

[0053] 2. Natural wild bamboo forests have a variety of bamboo species, and the bamboo shoots range in diameter from 6 to 20 centimeters. Each acre can produce about 150 bamboo shoots for raising bamboo worms. The average diameter of the bamboo shoots is 12 centimeters, and each shoot can raise an average of 0.4 jin of bamboo worms, which can produce 60 jin of bamboo worms. At 100 yuan per jin, the output value per acre is 6,000 yuan.

[0054] 3. Artificially raised bamboo worms are monetized through a comprehensive online marketing approach, including online promotion, online order sales, and online payment. The promotional highlights include a full demonstration of the entire process of artificially raising bamboo worms in wild bamboo forests and techniques for processing and consuming them. The key promotional points are the research findings on the nutritional components of bamboo worms and their anti-aging and immune-boosting effects.

[0055] Limits on the number of bamboo worms raised on bamboo shoots of different diameters: Table of Limits on the Number of Bamboo Worms Raised on Bamboo Shoot Diameters

[0056]

[0057] Note: 1. The number of bamboo worms that can be raised varies depending on the diameter of the bamboo shoot. Smaller diameters can raise fewer worms, while larger diameters can raise more worms. However, when the number of bamboo worms exceeds the carrying capacity of the bamboo shoot, the bamboo worms will consume too much of the shoot flesh tissue below the growing point of the tender shoot tip, resulting in the death of both the bamboo shoot and the bamboo worms, and both the shoot and the bamboo worms will lose their commercial value.

[0058] 2. When raising bamboo worms using bamboo shoots, it is essential to ensure that the bamboo worms feed on the bamboo shoots and develop into mature larvae in the 5th instar to guarantee their commercial value. When raising bamboo worms, the standard should be the "Limited Number of Bamboo Worms Raised by Bamboo Shoot Diameter". Reduce the number of bamboo worms by 10% based on this standard to achieve the best results in terms of both the survival of the bamboo shoots and the survival of the bamboo worms.

[0059] 3. The diameter of bamboo species such as Lila bamboo, Buried bamboo, and Black bamboo is mostly 8-12 cm, and their value for raising bamboo worms is not ideal. The diameter of bamboo species such as Ma bamboo, Sweet bamboo, and Big bamboo is mostly 13-18 cm, and their thick bamboo shoot walls and large bamboo shoot cavities make them the preferred bamboo species for raising bamboo worms.

[0060] Statistical table of weight (grams) and body length (cm) of mature bamboo worms in their fifth instar.

[0061]

[0062] From 2015 to 2020, we spent six years researching scientific techniques for raising bamboo worms. After years of experimentation, we successfully cracked the key technologies for artificially raising bamboo worms in wild bamboo forests and invented a technology for the commercial, mass-production, and large-scale cultivation of bamboo worms. With the cooperation of local farmers participating in the experiments, we conducted nearly 100 sets of trials on more than 10,000 bamboo shoots with diameters ranging from 6 to 20 centimeters, producing a total of more than 5,000 kilograms of bamboo worms. Specifically, each shoot of 16-centimeter-diameter *Phyllostachys edulis* yielded an average of 400 grams, each shoot of 18-centimeter-diameter *Phyllostachys edulis* yielded an average of 500 grams, and each shoot of 20-centimeter-diameter *Phyllostachys edulis* yielded an average of 600 grams. The promotion of the technology and concept of artificially raising bamboo worms in wild bamboo forests will open up new avenues for increasing farmers' income and contribute to rural revitalization and the development and utilization of Yunnan Province's unique biological resources.

Claims

1. A method for the artificial cultivation of bamboo worms, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: (1) From October to June of the following year, search for bamboo insect seed bamboo with the characteristics of emerging holes, deformed bamboo nodes and striped gaps in bamboo walls in the wild bamboo forest. Then protect the seed bamboo in place to achieve the purpose of controlling and collecting bamboo insects and bamboo insect pupae in the seed bamboo in place, and obtain the seed bamboo insects and seed bamboo insect pupae. (2) After finding the source bamboo, the breathable bamboo insect seed source protection net is tightly attached to the outlet of the source bamboo to protect the bamboo insects inside the source bamboo from being harmed by natural enemies. The bamboo insects protected in the bamboo cavity begin to pupate at the end of May, and the source bamboo insect pupae are obtained. (3) In early July of the following year, the bamboo insect seed source protection net is removed, and the female and male adult insect collection cages are placed over the seed source bamboo at the exit hole. The female and male adults that emerge from the pupae inside the seed source bamboo crawl out from the exit hole and enter the female and male adult insect collection cages placed over the exit hole. They cannot fly into the bamboo forest in all directions, thus achieving the purpose of collecting the female and male adults that emerge from the pupae inside the seed source bamboo in place. (4) Separate the female and male adults collected from the same bamboo species in the female and male adult collection cages and place them in female adult collection cage A and male adult collection cage B respectively. After feeding them sugar water, place the female and male adults collected from different bamboo species in the female and male adult collection cages into different female and male adult mating cages. The female and male adults from different bamboo species in their estrus period can mate freely in the mating cages to achieve the effect of hybrid vigor. After mating, use female and male adult collection cages A and B to collect the mated female and male adults respectively. Feed the mated female adults sugar water and release the mated male adults into the wild. (5) Place the oviposition cage on the bamboo shoots in the wild bamboo forest, and use the A female adult collection cage to take out the mated female adults from the mating cage. Take 100 female adults from each cage each time, and then take them to the wild bamboo forest. Place the female adults into the oviposition cages placed on the bamboo shoots one by one. Determine the number of mated female adults to put in each bamboo shoot according to the diameter of the bamboo shoot. Put 3 female adults in bamboo shoots with a diameter of 15 to 20 cm, and 2 female adults in bamboo shoots with a diameter of 10 to 15 cm. After mating, the female adult insects, attracted by the scent of bamboo shoots, lay their eggs on the surface of the bamboo shoots in the egg-laying cage. Based on the number of egg masses on the bamboo shoots and the diameter of the bamboo shoots, and referring to the table of bamboo shoot diameter and the number of bamboo insects raised, excess egg masses are manually removed in time and added to the surface of bamboo shoots with insufficient egg masses. This achieves the most cost-effective number of bamboo insects raised per bamboo shoot, resulting in a win-win situation where both the bamboo shoots and the bamboo insects are alive. (6) In the environment of light protection and humidity of more than 60% provided by the oviposition cage to protect the hatching of eggs and the crawling of the first-instar larvae to find the entry hole, the newly hatched first-instar larvae feed on the egg shells after hatching on the egg mass, crawl on the surface of the bamboo shoot, find the tenderest part, and collectively bite a 1 mm diameter entry hole. The first-instar larvae enter the bamboo shoot cavity through the entry hole in turn within 20 hours. Subsequently, the entry hole is closed due to the growth of the bamboo shoot. Due to the protection of the oviposition cage, ants and geckos cannot feed on the eggs and first-instar larvae. The success rate of egg hatching and the entry of first-instar larvae into the bamboo shoot cavity reaches more than 95%. (7) Two days after the first-instar larvae enter the bamboo shoot cavity, remove the egg-laying cage, number the bamboo shoots used for raising bamboo worms, and record the number of raised bamboo worms at the same time. About 20 days after the first instar larvae enter the bamboo shoot cavity, a large amount of sap will be observed to overflow from the edge of the bamboo shoot leaves, with a very special and unpleasant odor. The bamboo shoot leaves should be removed in time to expose the opening, so that food residue, molted skin, and rainwater in the bamboo shoot cavity can be discharged smoothly and in time through the opening. If the opening is found to be blocked, it should be cleared in time. After observing in early October that food residue, molted skin, and rainwater no longer escaped from the emergence holes, a breathable bamboo worm breeding protection net was tightly attached to the emergence hole area, completing all artificial breeding steps.

2. The method for artificially cultivating bamboo worms according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step (2), the bamboo insect seed source protection net is made of stainless steel breathable insect-proof net, and its size and shape are determined according to the holes.

3. The method for artificially cultivating bamboo worms according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step (3), the collection cages for male and female adult insects are made of plastic mesh with a mesh size not exceeding 0.2 cm, a cone shape, a length of 20 cm, a large opening diameter of 15 cm, and a small opening diameter of 4 cm.

4. The method for artificially cultivating bamboo worms according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step (4), the mating cage for male and female adults is a square mating space made of plastic mesh with a mesh size of no more than 0.2 cm, transparent plastic glass, and support pillars. The plastic mesh is on the front, back, and bottom for ventilation. The transparent glass is on the left and right sides and top for observing the mating of male and female adults. The mating cage is rectangular in shape, 200 cm long, 200 cm wide, and 100 cm high. There is an opening on the front that is 60 cm long, 60 cm wide, and 30 cm high. The function is for male and female adults to be placed in the mating cage during the estrus period. The top glass cover can be moved freely to remove the mated male and female adults from the mating cage.

5. The method for artificially cultivating bamboo worms according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step (4), the male and female adult insect collection cages are made of plastic mesh with a mesh size of no more than 0.2 cm. They are conical in shape with a large opening diameter of 15 cm and small opening diameters of 2 cm and 3 cm. The male adult insects that have crawled out of the exit hole and mated are collected using the collection cage with a small opening diameter of 2 cm, and the female adult insects that have crawled out of the exit hole and mated are collected using the collection cage with a small opening diameter of 3 cm.

6. The method for artificially cultivating bamboo worms according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step (4), the eaves of the mating shed for male and female adults are 10 meters long and 9 meters wide, with a dripping area of ​​90 square meters. It has a cement floor, steel frame structure, asbestos tile roof, 100-degree apex angle, and 2.5 meters high eaves. The main part of the shed is a 56-square-meter mating space enclosed by a stainless steel insect-proof net, which is 8 meters long, 7 meters wide, and 2 meters high. Several mating cages for male and female adults are placed in the mating space. Fresh bamboo leaves and fresh young bamboo shoots are placed around the mating cages. The mating cages are spaced 50 centimeters apart. Three air humidifiers are placed outside the mating space inside the shed.

7. The method for artificially cultivating bamboo worms according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step (5), the female adult's oviposition cage is a cylindrical space made of stainless steel insect-proof netting or plastic mesh with a mesh size of no more than 0.2 cm. It is 60 cm long and 40 cm in diameter. Both ends are completely closed and tightly fitted onto the bamboo shoot, so that there are no gaps for natural enemies to enter. The middle part is supported by plastic circles to create a space 6 cm away from the surface of the bamboo shoot. This is conducive to the female adult moving in the space and laying egg masses on the bamboo shoot. It is also conducive to protecting the egg development, egg hatching, the crawling of the early-instar larvae on the bamboo shoot, and the collective biting into the bamboo shoot cavity. It is also conducive to ensuring the light-proof environment and the air humidity of more than 60% required for egg development.

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