Method for producing phytoseiid mite, proliferation apparatus, and proliferation kit

Abstract

To provide a method for producing a phytoseiid mite, an apparatus for proliferating the phytoseiid mite and a kit for proliferating the phytoseiid mite for efficiently producing the phytoseiid mite in a large amount.SOLUTION: In order to mass-produce the phytoseiid mites in the accommodation space, the phytoseiid mites, a spawning substrate 20, pollen 30, and a water-absorbing material 40 are arranged in the accommodation space (in an accommodation container 10), the water-absorbing material 40 includes a water supply part 41 for supplying water to the phytoseiid mites and a suction part 42 for sucking up water to the water supply part 41, the suction part 42 is inserted into a through hole 121 provided in a part of the accommodation space and exposed to the outside, and water outside the accommodation space is sucked up to the water supply part 41 in the accommodation space through the suction part 42 to supply water to the phytoseiid mites in the accommodation space.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for producing phytoseiid mites, a propagation device, and a propagation kit for propagating and mass-producing phytoseiid mites. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, in order to avoid the environmental risks and resistance problems posed by chemical pesticides, cultural control methods that suppress the occurrence of pests and diseases, and integrated pest management (IPM) methods that combine biological control using natural enemies and microorganisms with chemical pesticides have been attracting attention.

[0003] For example, pests such as spider mites and thrips that parasitize various crops are widely controlled by utilizing their natural enemies, phytoseiid mites such as Phytoseiulus californicus and Phytoseiulus swirskii. For the commercial expansion of such biological control using phytoseiid mites, it is desirable to efficiently produce phytoseiid mites in large quantities.

[0004] In this regard, a conventional method for mass-producing phytoseiid mites involves multiplying bait mites and then using these bait mites as live bait for mass production of phytoseiid mites (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

[0005] However, the method using bait mites is expensive, and there is still room for improvement in the widespread use of biological control using phytoseiid mites.

[0006] Although it is not a mass production technique for phytoseiid mites, Non-Patent Document 1 describes a method for rearing phytoseiid mites. In other words, simple and efficient rearing methods have not been established for many phytoseiid mite species, and it is extremely difficult to conduct laboratory experiments to elucidate their characteristics as natural enemies. In light of this, simple and efficient rearing methods for phytoseiid mites have been proposed. Specifically, a plate with 24 holes, each 1.5 cm in diameter and 1.7 cm in height, was used, and wool and tea pollen as food were placed in each hole to create a habitat for the phytoseiid mites.The plate was then placed in a plastic container filled with water, and the periphery of the plate was covered with tissue paper to provide water and prevent escape, and the plastic container was then covered to prevent drying out, and the phytoseiid mites were reared.

[0007] However, the technology described in Non-Patent Document 1 is merely a rearing method for phytoseiid mites, and is merely a technique for rearing phytoseiid mites in a small-scale breeding location, i.e., a hole 1.5 cm in diameter and 1.7 cm in height. Moreover, it states that "while tea pollen is a suitable food for many phytoseiid mite species, it is known that it is prone to mold growth and deterioration under the high humidity conditions that are favorable for phytoseiid mite habitation," and that "it is necessary to explore other alternative food candidates, including artificial feed, and to consider improving rearing efficiency and the possibility of mass propagation," suggesting that the search for alternative food candidates other than pollen is a direction for investigating the possibility of mass propagation.

[0008] Furthermore, in Non-Patent Document 2, various factors that may affect the settlement ability of Phytoseiulus swirskii are examined and discussed, taking into account that the settlement ability varies depending on the type of crop. Specifically, the effects of pollen on the oviposition of Phytoseiulus swirskii have been investigated and discussed. Pollen from bell pepper, eggplant, green bean, and snap pea has been used (provided as anthers).

[0009] However, the technology described in Non-Patent Document 2 merely examines how the pollen of crops such as eggplant affects the settlement of Phytoseiulus swirskii on these crops, and does not suggest the active use of pollen as an alternative food source for mass production of phytoseiid mites. Furthermore, it is stated that eggplant pollen has low suitability as food.

[0010] Furthermore, Non-Patent Document 3 describes an attempt to maintain Miyakosei mites for the long term using an artificial diet, which is a technique that uses an artificial diet instead of pollen. Specifically, it is stated that "the availability of water is extremely important for the survival of phytoseiid mites," and artificial feed is supplied by soaking in filter paper, and free water is also available. As a specific means for supplying free water, Kimwipes are exposed from the housing space for the phytoseiid mites to the outside of the housing space, and moisture is sucked up from below, thereby supplying moisture to the phytoseiid mites in the housing space.

[0011] However, this technology was used to verify the possibility of long-term maintenance of Miyako Phytoseiulus californiae through individual rearing using artificial feed as an alternative food, and the direction of investigation is significantly different from that of the present invention, which aims to mass-produce phytoseiid mites using pollen as food. Artificial feed produces a low number of eggs, and it is necessary to supply food mites to induce egg laying, which makes it unsuitable for reproduction. In addition, artificial feed contains a lot of moisture and is prone to drying out, so it needs to be changed frequently, whereas when pollen is used as food, it is usually supplied in a dry state, and the presence of excessive moisture reduces its suitability as food. Considering this fact, it is common technical knowledge that the device optimized for individual rearing on artificial food does not provide technical suggestions for mass production of phytoseiid mites using pollen. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0012] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2022-504059 [Patent Document 2] Special Publication No. 2023-504640 [Non-patent literature]

[0013] [Non-Patent Document 1] Hidenari Kishimoto, "Simple and efficient rearing method for phytoseiid mites", Plant Protection, 2005, Vol. 59, No. 9, pp. 396-399 [Non-patent document 2] Kazuki Kakimoto and three others, "Differences in the Settlement and Reproduction of the Predatory Mite, Phytoseiidae Swirskii, on Different Crops," Journal of the Japanese Society of Applied Entomology and Zoology, Vol. 61, No. 4, 2017, pp. 223-232 [Non-patent document 3] Masahiro Ogabe and 1 other, "Potential for New Use of Artificial Feed," Plant Protection, 2009, Vol. 63, No. 1, pp. 44-48 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0014] An object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing phytoseiid mites, a propagation device, and a propagation kit for efficiently mass-producing phytoseiid mites. [Means for solving the problem]

[0015] The present inventors have conducted extensive research to solve the above problems. During this investigation, they discovered that it is important to supply both pollen and water for mass production of phytoseiid mites, and that it is important to provide a water supply means separate from the food, rather than supplying water integrally with the food as in wet food.They also came up with the idea of ​​using a water-absorbing material to suck up water from outside the storage space for the phytoseiid mites, rather than simply placing water directly within the storage space. Furthermore, it was confirmed that the water supply method described above can prevent excessive increases in humidity, thereby suppressing the deterioration of pollen and enabling stable and sustained proliferation of phytoseiid mites.

[0016] From the above, it was found that this method can achieve the difficult-to-achieve goals of maintaining the proliferation of phytoseiid mites and maintaining the quality of pollen, and can efficiently and mass-produce phytoseiid mites. The present invention has been completed based on the above findings.

[0017] That is, the present invention relates to a method for producing phytoseiid mites, a propagation device, and a propagation kit (hereinafter, these may be simply referred to as the "method of the present invention," the "propagation device of the present invention," the "propagation kit of the present invention," etc.) comprising the following aspects:

[0018] [1] A method for producing phytoseiid mites, comprising housing phytoseiid mites in a housing space for propagating the mites, and propagating and mass-producing the mites in the housing space, the method comprising: The proliferation is carried out by placing, in the accommodation space, phytoseiid mites, an egg-laying substrate that helps the phytoseiid mites lay eggs, pollen that serves as food for the phytoseiid mites, and a water-absorbing material that supplies moisture to the phytoseiid mites; the accommodation space has through-holes on a surface through which the phytoseiid mites can move; the water-absorbing material has a water supply section for supplying moisture to the phytoseiid mites in the accommodation space and a suction section for suctioning moisture up to the water supply section, at least a portion of the suction section being string-shaped; a string-like portion of the suction unit is inserted into the through-hole, a portion of the suction unit is exposed to the outside of the storage space, and water outside the storage space is sucked up through the suction unit to the water supply unit, thereby supplying moisture to the phytoseiid mites in the storage space. Method for producing phytoseiid mites. [2] The method for producing phytoseiid mites according to [1], wherein the water-absorbing material is paper thread. [3] The method for producing phytoseiid mites according to [1] or [2], wherein the water-absorbing material has at least two suction sections, and the storage space has at least two through-holes corresponding to the at least two suction sections. [4] The method for producing a phytoseiid mite according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the pollen is supplied at a frequency of once per day to once per two weeks. [5] The method for producing a phytoseiid mite according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein the storage space has an opening for preventing air from stagnating in the storage space, and an adhesive is applied to the storage space to limit the movement range of the phytoseiid mite, thereby preventing escape of the phytoseiid mite. [6] The method for producing a phytoseiid mite according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein the storage space has substantially no gaps through which individual phytoseiid mites can pass. [7] A phytoseiid mite propagation device for mass-producing phytoseiid mites, comprising: a container for accommodating phytoseiid mites; an egg-laying substrate disposed within the container and supporting egg-laying of phytoseiid mites; Pollen placed in the container and serving as food for phytoseiid mites; a water-absorbing material disposed in the container for supplying moisture to the phytoseiid mites; Equipped with the container has through-holes on a surface through which the phytoseiid mites can move; The water-absorbing material has a water supply section for supplying water to the phytoseiid mites in the storage container, and a suction section for suctioning water up to the water supply section, at least a portion of the suction section being string-shaped, the string-shaped portion of the suction section being inserted into the through-hole, and a portion of the suction section being exposed to the outside of the storage container, so that water outside the storage container can be suctioned up to the water supply section through the suction section. Phytoseiid mite breeding device. [8] The phytoseiid mite breeding device according to [7], wherein the water-absorbing material is paper thread. [9] The phytoseiid mite breeding device according to [7] or [8], wherein the water-absorbing material has at least two suction sections, and the storage container has at least two through-holes corresponding to the at least two suction sections.

[10] The phytoseiid mite breeding device according to any one of [7] to [9], wherein the storage container has an opening for preventing air from stagnating in the storage container, and an adhesive is applied to the storage container to limit the range of movement of the phytoseiid mites, thereby preventing escape of the phytoseiid mites.

[11] The phytoseiid mite breeding device according to any one of [7] to

[10] , wherein the container has substantially no gap through which individual phytoseiid mites can pass.

[12] A kit for propagating phytoseiid mites for mass production of phytoseiid mites, comprising: a container for accommodating phytoseiid mites; an egg-laying substrate that helps phytoseiid mites lay eggs; Pollen that serves as food for phytoseiid mites, A water-absorbing material to supply moisture to phytoseiid mites. Equipped with the container has through-holes on a surface through which the phytoseiid mites can move; The water-absorbing material has a water supply section for supplying water to the phytoseiid mites in the storage container, and a suction section for suctioning water up to the water supply section, and at least a portion of the suction section is string-shaped, so that by inserting the string-shaped portion of the suction section into the through-hole and exposing a portion of the suction section to the outside of the storage container, water outside the storage container can be suctioned up to the water supply section through the suction section. Kit for breeding phytoseiid mites.

[13] The kit for propagating phytoseiid mites according to

[12] , wherein the water-absorbing material is paper thread.

[14] The kit for propagating phytoseiid mites according to

[12] or

[13] , wherein the water-absorbing material has at least two suction sections, and the storage container has at least two through-holes corresponding to the at least two suction sections.

[15] The kit for propagating phytoseiid mites according to any one of

[12] to

[14] , further comprising an adhesive applied to the container to restrict the range of movement of the phytoseiid mites.

[16] The kit for propagating phytoseiid mites according to any one of

[12] to

[15] , wherein the container has a lid that does not substantially create any gap through which individual phytoseiid mites can pass. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to the present invention, phytoseiid mites can be produced efficiently and in large quantities. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a top view showing one embodiment of the propagation device of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a part of FIG. 2 in an exploded view. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the growth device of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a part of FIG. 4 in an exploded form. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] The method for producing phytoseiid mites, the propagation apparatus, and the propagation kit according to the present invention are described in detail below, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to these descriptions, and modifications other than those exemplified below may be made as appropriate within the scope that does not impair the spirit of the present invention.

[0022] First, the oviposition substrate, food, and water necessary for the proliferation of phytoseiid mites, as well as the phytoseiid mites that are the targets for proliferation in the present invention, will be described.

[0023] The oviposition substrate serves as an egg-laying site for phytoseiid mites. By providing the oviposition substrate, it is possible to encourage egg-laying by phytoseiid mites and increase the reproduction rate of phytoseiid mites. The spawning substrate is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include mesh and fibrous substrates. A mesh substrate is preferred, and the mesh pore size can be, for example, 50 to 1,000 μm, preferably 100 to 1,000 μm, and more preferably 400 to 600 μm. The material may be appropriately selected from those on which phytoseiid mites prefer to lay their eggs, and examples thereof include synthetic fiber materials such as nylon, natural fiber materials such as animal fiber and plant fiber, and inorganic materials such as glass.

[0024] In the present invention, pollen is used as food for phytoseiid mites. Although not particularly limited, examples thereof include eggplant pollen, tea pollen, bell pepper pollen, chili pepper pollen, almond pollen, pine pollen, and Japanese laurel pollen, with eggplant pollen and tea pollen being preferred. Eggplant pollen is particularly preferred because it can be collected year-round and is cost-effective. In the present invention, eggplant pollen, which has traditionally been considered to have low suitability as food, also promotes good proliferation of phytoseiid mites. Here, pollen is a powdery cell that comes out of the stamen of the flower of a seed plant, and is formed in a sac called anther at the tip of the stamen. For example, eggplant pollen is produced in eggplant ( Solanum melongena ), and tea pollen is pollen collected from the anthers of the tea plant ( Camellia sinensis ) is pollen collected from the anthers of the flower. Eggplant is a plant of the genus Solanum in the family Solanaceae, and there are many known varieties, including small round eggplant (small eggplant), round eggplant, oval eggplant, thousand-ryo eggplant, medium-long eggplant, long eggplant, rice eggplant, pouch eggplant, white eggplant, and green eggplant. Any of these may be used in the present invention, and there is no particular limitation on the variety to be used. Similarly, the tea plant is a plant of the genus Camellia in the family Theaceae, and many varieties are known, but any of them may be used in the present invention, and the variety to be used is not particularly limited.

[0025] After collection, pollen is preferably stored under conditions that prevent deterioration. Specific methods for this include, for example, drying the pollen after collection and then storing it, or freezing the pollen and then storing it. Pollen stored frozen does not need to be thawed before use and can be removed and used in feeding while still frozen.

[0026] A plurality of baits may be used in combination as bait for phytoseiid mites. In this case, the baits may be used simultaneously, or may be used separately, such as alternately, or both. In addition to the use of a plurality of types of pollen in combination, the use of pollen in combination with a bait other than pollen is also included.

[0027] The feed is preferably in a dry state that is substantially free of moisture (so-called dry feed). The term "substantially" used here means that a small amount of moisture may remain even after conventional drying methods. The drying means is not particularly limited, and conventionally known drying means such as natural drying, hot air drying, fluidized bed drying, spray drying, drum drying, low-temperature drying, freeze drying, and pressure drying can be used. Of the above drying methods, freeze-drying is preferred for the pollen used in the present invention. After freeze-drying, the pollen can be stored frozen to maintain its quality.

[0028] The moisture necessary for the proliferation of phytoseiid mites may be water or may be an aqueous liquid containing components other than water that is supplied to the phytoseiid mites. The components other than water are not particularly limited, but preferred examples include various nutritional components such as bittern components (see JP 2022-25176 A) and sugars.

[0029] In the present invention, the phytoseiid mite to be propagated is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include Phytoseiulus swirskii, Phytoseiulus californicus, Phytoseiulus kazusaka, Phytoseiulus persimilis, Phytoseiulus cucumeri, Phytoseiulus longicornis, Phytoseiulus nisellago, Phytoseiulus oriensis, Phytoseiulus nigricans, Phytoseiulus depressus, Phytoseiulus limonica, Typhlodromips montdorensis, Phytoseiulus andersonii, Phytoseiulus nigricans, etc. Preferred are Phytoseiulus swirskii, Phytoseiulus californicus, Phytoseiulus kazusaka, and Phytoseiulus persimilis.

[0030] Next, the method of the present invention using the above-mentioned phytoseiid mites, egg-laying substrate, food for the mites, and water will be described.

[0031] The method of the present invention is a method for mass-producing phytoseiid mites by housing phytoseiid mites in a housing space for propagating the mites and propagating the mites in the housing space. Here, the "accommodation space" may be any space that has a volume large enough to accommodate at least the phytoseiid mites and has a surface along which the phytoseiid mites can move. Furthermore, the phrase "for mass production" means that the method of the present invention is suitable as a method for mass-producing phytoseiid mites, but actual mass production is not a requirement of the method of the present invention. Although there are no particular limitations, the method of the present invention is suitable as a method for mass-producing, for example, several thousand or more phytoseiid mites. The same applies to the propagation device and kit of the present invention.

[0032] The storage space may have at least one open side. For example, an opening can be provided to prevent air from stagnating in the storage space. This has the advantage of making it easier to control the humidity in the storage space. However, in this case, it is preferable to apply an adhesive such as Tanglefoot to a certain area (for example, around the bottom of the storage space) to restrict the movement range of the phytoseiid mites in order to prevent them from escaping from the storage space through the opening. When an opening is provided to prevent air from stagnating in the storage space, as a guideline, for example, the opening area can be 20% or more of the area of ​​the bottom of the storage space, and preferably 40% or more.

[0033] In cases where phytoseiid mites that prefer high humidity are allowed to grow, it is possible to intentionally not provide an opening for the purpose of preventing air from stagnating in the storage space (including an embodiment in which the opening is closed with a lid, etc.) In particular, if the storage space is a closed storage space that has substantially no gaps through which individual phytoseiid mites can pass, thereby limiting the range of movement of the phytoseiid mites, there is no need to separately provide an escape prevention means such as an adhesive, which leads to simplification of the device. Here, "substantially not having gaps through which phytoseiid mite individuals can pass" means that strictly speaking, there are gaps through which phytoseiid mite individuals can pass, but the passage of the phytoseiid mite individuals is not of a level that causes practical problems. While the above-mentioned configuration prevents escape of phytoseiid mites, for the purpose of supplying oxygen, etc., a gap of a size that individual phytoseiid mites cannot substantially pass through may be provided in the accommodation space.

[0034] The size of the accommodation space is not particularly limited, but for example, the surface area in which the phytoseiid mites can move is 10 cm 2 Can be more than 25cm 2 More than 50cm is preferable. 2 The above is particularly preferred. The propagation of phytoseiid mites according to the present invention can be achieved with a relatively simple configuration, and even if the size of the storage space is relatively compact, it is possible to propagate a large number of phytoseiid mites. There is no particular upper limit to the size of the storage space, and an appropriate size can be determined taking into consideration the scale of propagation, ease of handling, etc.

[0035] The amount of pollen to be supplied is not particularly limited, but for example, when tens to hundreds of phytoseiid mites are multiplied to a scale of thousands to tens of thousands in a few weeks, the total amount of pollen supplied per two weeks can be 10 to 300 mg.

[0036] The frequency of supplying pollen is not particularly limited, and pollen can be added or replaced as appropriate, taking into consideration, for example, the rate at which pollen is consumed and the rate at which it deteriorates. In the present invention, good proliferation of phytoseiid mites can be maintained even without frequent supply of pollen. For example, pollen can be supplied at a frequency of once per day to once per two weeks, preferably once per two days to once per week, and more preferably once per two to three days.

[0037] In the present invention, food and water necessary for the growth of phytoseiid mites are supplied separately. That is, the present invention does not utilize the moisture contained in the bait as moisture for the proliferation of phytoseiid mites. Supplying the food and water necessary for the growth of phytoseiid mites separately is more advantageous for the growth of phytoseiid mites than supplying the food containing moisture.

[0038] In the present invention, the supply of water, which is carried out separately from the supply of feed, is specifically carried out using a water-absorbing material. The water-absorbent material has a water supply section and a wicking section to enable a continuous and appropriate supply of moisture, and at least a portion of the wicking section is string-shaped. The storage space has a through-hole on the surface through which the phytoseiid mites can move, and the string-like part of the suction part is inserted into the through-hole in the storage space, exposing a part of the suction part to the outside of the storage space, and water outside the storage space is sucked up to the water supply part through the suction part, thereby supplying moisture to the phytoseiid mites in the storage space. As a specific example of the configuration, see Figs. 1 to 3 and the accompanying description of the propagation device described below, which uses a water-absorbing material that is entirely string-shaped.

[0039] This type of moisture supply is an indirect moisture supply via a water-absorbing material, as opposed to a direct moisture supply such as dripping water, and therefore can avoid deterioration of pollen quality due to excessively high humidity conditions and adverse effects on phytoseiid mites (for example, drowning of phytoseiid mites).

[0040] The diameter of the through-holes in the accommodation space is not particularly limited and may be determined as necessary and sufficient to adequately and continuously supply water to the phytoseiid mites, for example, 0.1 to 5 mm, preferably 0.5 to 2 mm. The diameter of the string-like portion of the suction part inserted into the through-hole may be set to be approximately the same as or slightly smaller than the diameter of the through-hole. When the water-absorbent material swells by absorbing water, its volume increases, and the string-like portion of the suction part seals the through-hole without any gaps. As a result, a situation in which phytoseiid mites are sucked into the through-hole without being able to resist the surface tension of the sucked-up water and die is avoided.

[0041] The absorbent material is not particularly limited as long as it has the property of absorbing moisture, and various fiber materials (e.g., cellulose) and resin materials (e.g., polyacrylic resin and other high molecular weight polymers), whether natural or synthetic, can be used. The shape may be, for example, a string-like shape (including a thread-like shape) or a sheet-like shape, either as a whole or as a part thereof. As long as at least a part of the suction part of the water-absorbent material can pass through the through-hole of the storage container, it is not essential that the part other than that part be string-like. For example, the water-absorbent material of the present invention also includes a material in which a string-like suction part is connected to a sheet-like water supply part, or a sheet-like water-absorbent material in which the whole or part (for example, both ends) are twisted into a string shape. Particularly preferred is paper thread, which is a type of water-absorbing material made of a fibrous material.

[0042] The amount of water to be supplied is not particularly limited and can be adjusted as appropriate. A specific method for adjusting the amount of water to be supplied is to change the size of the water absorbent material, particularly the surface area of ​​the water supply part, while taking into consideration the water absorption performance and water retention performance of the water absorbent material. The frequency of water supply is not particularly limited, but it is preferable to add or replace the water to continuously bring water into contact with the suction part of the water-absorbing material and to ensure a constant supply of water to the phytoseiid mites in the storage space. In the present invention, water is brought into contact with the suction part of the water-absorbing material outside the storage space, so that water can be added or replaced very easily without making any changes to the storage space.

[0043] When phytoseiid mites are allowed to grow, the relative humidity of the storage space can be appropriately set depending on the type of phytoseiid mite, etc., while taking into consideration the maintenance of pollen quality. The method of the present invention can prevent the relative humidity in the storage space from becoming excessively high when phytoseiid mites are growing. Specifically, the relative humidity of the storage space is preferably set within a range of, for example, 50 to 85%, and more preferably within a range of 60 to 80%.

[0044] As other conditions for the proliferation of phytoseiid mites, the temperature in the accommodation space is, for example, preferably 15 to 30°C, more preferably 20 to 25°C. The light conditions are not particularly limited, but can be, for example, 0L:24D (complete darkness) to 16L:8D (16 hours of light: 8 hours of darkness).

[0045] Next, specific embodiments of the propagation apparatus of the present invention for carrying out the above-mentioned method for producing phytoseiid mites will be described with reference to the drawings. However, each embodiment described below is merely one embodiment of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited thereto. Furthermore, descriptions common to the description of the method for producing phytoseiid mites will be omitted.

[0046] Figure 1 is a top view showing a breeding device according to one embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as the "first embodiment"), Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Figure 1, and Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a portion of Figure 2 disassembled. It should be noted that each drawing includes schematic representations for the sake of convenience of explanation, and does not faithfully represent actual dimensional relationships, etc.

[0047] The propagation device 1 comprises a storage container 10 forming a storage space for the phytoseiid mites, an egg-laying substrate 20 arranged in the storage container 10, pollen 30 arranged in the storage container 10, and a water-absorbing material 40 arranged in the storage container 10.

[0048] The storage container 10 has an opening 11 to prevent humid air from stagnating inside the storage container 10, and an adhesive such as tangle foot (not shown) is applied around the surface of the bottom 12 of the storage container 10 to prevent escape.

[0049] As is clear from FIGS. 2 and 3, the storage container 10 has two through holes 121, 121 in the bottom 12 of the storage container 10. On the other hand, the water absorbent material 40 has a water supply section 41 for supplying moisture to the phytoseiid mites in the storage container 10, and also has suction sections 42, 42 that are continuous with the water supply section 41 and suck up moisture up to the water supply section 41. The water absorbent material 40 in this embodiment is a paper thread and is string-shaped as a whole, that is, both the water supply section 41 and the suction section 42 are string-shaped.

[0050] As is clear from FIGS. 2 and 3, the suction portions 42, 42 of the water absorbent material 40 are inserted into the through holes 121, 121, respectively, due to their string-like shape. The suction sections 42, 42 of the water absorbent material 40 can be exposed to the outside of the storage container 10 from the through-holes 121, 121, and by bringing these suction sections 42, 42 into contact with water, water can be sucked up from the contacting parts by capillary action. This makes it possible to continuously supply water to the phytoseiid mites from the water supply section 41 inside the storage container 10 while preventing the inside of the storage container 10 from becoming excessively humid.

[0051] In this embodiment, a tray 60 is used, on which cotton 50 saturated with water is spread. The storage container 10 and the tray 60 are stacked so that the cotton 50 in the tray 60 comes into contact with the absorbing parts 42, 42 of the water absorbent material 40 exposed from the storage container 10. The tray 60 has an internal dimension slightly larger than the external dimension of the storage container 10, and has side walls high enough to hold a certain amount of cotton 50 and stably hold the storage container 10 stacked on top of it. In this way, water outside the storage container 10 can be sucked up to the water supply section 41 through the suction section 42.

[0052] The diameter of the string-like portion of the suction part 42 inserted into the through-hole 121 is set to be approximately the same as or slightly smaller than the diameter of the through-hole 121. As a result, when the water-absorbent material 40 swells due to water absorption, its volume increases and the string-like portion of the suction part 42 completely seals the through-hole 121. As a result, it is possible to prevent the phytoseiid mites from being sucked into the through-hole 121 without being able to resist the surface tension of the sucked-up water and dying.

[0053] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a propagation device according to another embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "second embodiment"), and FIG. 5 is an explanatory view showing a part of FIG. 4 in exploded form. It should be noted that each drawing includes a schematic representation for the sake of convenience of explanation, and does not faithfully represent the actual dimensional relationships, etc. Furthermore, components common to the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and explanations thereof will be omitted.

[0054] The propagation device 2 according to the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the storage space (inside the storage container 10) is configured to have substantially no gaps through which individual phytoseiid mites can pass. Unlike the first embodiment, the storage container 10 is made up of a cylindrical container body 101 and a lid 102. An opening 101a formed with a reduced diameter is provided at the top of the container body 101. The lid 102 has an inner circumferential surface that fits into the opening 101a of the container body 101, and can close the storage space.

[0055] The lid 102 is provided with a pollen addition opening 102a so that pollen can be supplied even when the storage space is closed by the lid 102. This pollen addition opening 102a is covered with a circular sheet 102b having a larger diameter than the pollen addition opening 102a except when pollen is being supplied. The lid 102 is also provided with a circular ventilation opening 102c that allows air to flow in and out for oxygen supply, etc., and this ventilation opening 102c is covered with a mesh 102d that has a minute hole diameter that allows air to flow in and out but does not allow individual phytoseiid mites to pass through.

[0056] According to the second embodiment, the storage space (inside the storage container) has substantially no gaps through which individual phytoseiid mites can pass. Therefore, unlike the first embodiment, escape of phytoseiid mites can be prevented without using escape prevention means such as adhesives, and the device can be simplified.

[0057] Specific embodiments of the proliferation device of the present invention have been described above, but as mentioned above, the present invention is not limited to these.

[0058] For example, the shape of the storage container is rectangular in the first embodiment and cylindrical in the second embodiment, but it may be any other three-dimensional shape as long as it does not hinder the proliferation of phytoseiid mites. In each of the above embodiments, a paper thread that is entirely string-shaped is used as the water-absorbent material 40, but as mentioned above, it is sufficient that at least a part of the absorbing part of the water-absorbent material can pass through the through-hole of the storage container, and it is not essential that the part other than that part be string-shaped. For example, the water-absorbent material of the present invention also includes a sheet-shaped water supply part to which a string-shaped absorbing part is connected, or a sheet-shaped water-absorbent material in which all or part (for example, both ends) are twisted into a string shape. In each of the above embodiments, only one water absorbent material 40 is used, but a plurality of water absorbent materials may also be used. In each of the above embodiments, two through holes 121, 121 are provided and the suction portions 42, 42 of the water absorbent body 40 are inserted through each of them, but it is also possible to provide one through hole and insert only one end of the water absorbent body 40. However, by providing at least two through holes, the water absorbent body 40 is fixed at two or more points, which provides various advantages over the case where there is one through hole, such as stable positioning and the ability to freely adjust the length of the water supply portion 41 by appropriately setting the spacing between the through holes. In each of the above embodiments, the storage container 10 is placed on a tray 60 covered with cotton 50 saturated with water, but this is not limited to this, and other methods may also be used, such as immersing the storage container in a tray filled with water.

[0059] Next, the proliferation kit of the present invention will be described. The propagation kit of the present invention refers to a set of all the components of the propagation device of the present invention (container, egg-laying substrate, pollen, and water-absorbing material), and apart from this, its basic structure is the same as that of the propagation device of the present invention. Therefore, a detailed description will be omitted.

[0060] Each component of the proliferation kit may be in a packaged state. In this case, the components may be packaged together or separately. In particular, it is preferable to keep the pollen in a packaged state to prevent it from deteriorating due to moisture or the like before use, and general packaging materials such as plastic bottles and vials can be used as packaging materials. [Example]

[0061] EXAMPLES Hereinafter, examples will be shown to more specifically explain the method for producing phytoseiid mites, the propagation apparatus, and the propagation kit according to the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the following examples.

[0062] Example 1 Using the phytoseiid mite breeding device corresponding to the configuration shown in Figures 1 to 3, Miyako Phytoseiid mite ( Neoseiulus californicus ) were grown. A Petri dish (Probio Petri dish; external dimensions: 9 cm length x 9 cm width x 1.5 cm height, manufactured by Simport) was used as a housing space for the phytoseiid mites, and the lid of the Petri dish (external dimensions: 9.5 cm length x 9.5 cm width x 0.9 cm height) was used to provide moisture (corresponding to the housing container 10 and tray 60 in Figures 1 to 3, respectively). A 3 mm thick layer of water-saturated cotton was placed on the lid of the Petri dish. On the other hand, two through-holes with a diameter of 1.2 mm were drilled in the bottom of the Petri dish, with the distance between the two through-holes set to 1 cm. The tip of a paper thread (paper string; diameter 0.6 mm, length 3 cm, manufactured by Nagatoyasha Shoten) was inserted into each of the two through-holes. The Petri dish was placed on a Petri dish lid with the paper threads exposed from the bottom of the Petri dish in contact with the water saturated cotton. The inner walls of the Petri dishes were coated with Tanglefoot (trade name; a mixture of natural rubber, vegetable oil and wax, manufactured by Tanglefoot Company). As the spawning substrate, a nylon mesh (Nytal (trademark); manufactured by SEFER) measuring 0.5 cm in length and 0.5 cm in width and having a mesh size of 500 μm was used. Seventy-five phytoseiid mites were placed in the Petri dish, and eggplant pollen was supplied to them at a position away from the paper thread. Water was also supplied from the paper thread by absorbing the water retained in the cotton spread on the lid of the Petri dish, and the phytoseiid mites were allowed to multiply for two weeks. Eggplant pollen was supplied at a dose of 5 mg every two or three days. Water was also replenished every two or three days to prevent the water absorbed in cotton padding on the lid of the Petri dish from drying out. The temperature and relative humidity conditions during proliferation of the phytoseiid mites were 26°C and 71%, respectively.

[0063] Example 2 Instead of Miyako Phytoseiulus swarskii ( Amblyseius swirskii Phytoseiulus swirskii was propagated in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the larvae of ... The temperature and relative humidity conditions during proliferation of the phytoseiid mites were 26°C and 71%, respectively.

[0064] Example 3 The initial number of phytoseiid mites was set at 46, and the predatory mite, Phytoseiulus kousukei ( Euseius sojaensis Phytoseiulus orbicularis was propagated in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the larvae of ...phytoseiulus orbicularis were used. The temperature and relative humidity conditions during proliferation of the phytoseiid mites were 26°C and 71%, respectively.

[0065] Example 4 Phytoseiulus californiae was propagated in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the initial number of phytoseiid mites was 15. The temperature and relative humidity conditions during proliferation of the phytoseiid mites were 26°C and 71%, respectively.

[0066] Summary of Results of Examples 1 to 4 The table below shows the results of proliferation of phytoseiid mites in Examples 1 to 4. In the tables, the value of n in parentheses after the example number indicates the number of experiments, and when an experiment is performed multiple times, the "number of heads after breeding" means the average value. The same applies to Tables 2 to 5.

[0067] [Table 1]

[0068] Example 5 Miyako Phytoseiulus californiae was propagated in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the initial number of phytoseiid mites was set to five. The temperature and relative humidity conditions during proliferation of the phytoseiid mites were 26°C and 71%, respectively.

[0069] Example 6 Phytoseiulus californiae was propagated in the same manner as in Example 5, except that tea pollen was used instead of eggplant pollen. The temperature and relative humidity conditions during proliferation of the phytoseiid mites were 26°C and 71%, respectively.

[0070] [Summary of the results of Examples 5 and 6] The table below shows the results of proliferation of phytoseiid mites in Examples 5 and 6.

[0071] [Table 2]

[0072] Example 7 Phytoseiulus swirskii was propagated in the same manner as in Example 5, except that Phytoseiulus californiae was used instead of Phytoseiulus californiae. The temperature and relative humidity conditions during proliferation of the phytoseiid mites were 26°C and 71%, respectively.

[0073] Example 8 Phytoseiulus swirskii was propagated in the same manner as in Example 7, except that tea pollen was used instead of eggplant pollen. The temperature and relative humidity conditions during proliferation of the phytoseiid mites were 26°C and 71%, respectively.

[0074] [Summary of the results of Examples 7 and 8] The table below shows the results of proliferation of phytoseiid mites in Examples 7 and 8.

[0075] [Table 3]

[0076] Example 9 Phytoseiulus californicus was propagated in the same manner as in Example 5, except that Phytoseiulus californicus was used instead of Phytoseiulus californicus. The temperature and relative humidity conditions during proliferation of the phytoseiid mites were 26°C and 71%, respectively.

[0077] Example 10 Phytoseiulus orbicularis was propagated in the same manner as in Example 9, except that tea pollen was used instead of eggplant pollen. The temperature and relative humidity conditions during proliferation of the phytoseiid mites were 26°C and 71%, respectively.

[0078] [Summary of the results of Examples 9 and 10] The table below shows the results of proliferation of phytoseiid mites in Examples 9 and 10.

[0079] [Table 4]

[0080] Example 11 Using a phytoseiid mite breeding device corresponding to the configuration shown in Figures 4 and 5, Phytoseiulus californicus was breeded as follows. As a storage container, a cylindrical container with a lid on top (insect rearing dish bottle (model 310102); external dimensions: diameter 10 cm x height 4 cm, manufactured by Thermo Fisher Scientific) was used. The lid had a hole (0.5 cm in diameter) for supplying pollen, which was covered with cellophane tape (trademark) except when pollen was being supplied to prevent the escape of phytoseiid mites. In addition to the hole for supplying pollen, the lid also had a hole (4 cm in diameter) for supplying oxygen, which was covered with a mesh (Nytal (trademark); mesh pore size 90 μm, SEFER) that allowed air to flow in and out while preventing the escape of phytoseiid mites. Tanglefoot was not applied because the lid prevented the phytoseiid mites from escaping. Except for the above points, the propagation device used in Example 11 has the same configuration as that in Example 1. Phytoseiulus californiae was propagated in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the above-mentioned propagation device was used. The temperature and relative humidity conditions during proliferation of the phytoseiid mites were 25°C and 79%, respectively.

[0081] Example 12 The use of tea pollen instead of eggplant pollen and the use of Phytoseiulus californica ( Neoseiulus barkeri Phytoseiulus hairi was propagated in the same manner as in Example 11, except that the initial number of mites was 50 and the propagation period was one month. The temperature and relative humidity conditions during proliferation of the phytoseiid mites were 25°C and 79%, respectively.

[0082] Summary of the results of Examples 11 and 12 The table below shows the results of proliferation of phytoseiid mites in Examples 11 and 12.

[0083] [Table 5]

[0084] As can be seen from the above results, according to the present invention, various phytoseiid mites can be propagated at a high multiplication rate using a small amount of pollen. Furthermore, the results of the examples in which eggplant pollen was fed confirmed that eggplant pollen is highly suitable as food for the mites in the present invention. Furthermore, the results of the examples in which tea pollen was fed confirmed that the present invention can be applied to pollen other than eggplant pollen. [Industrial Applicability]

[0085] The present invention can be suitably used as a method for efficiently propagating phytoseiid mites in large quantities, and in particular has industrial applicability as a mass production technique for phytoseiid mites to be used as natural enemy formulations. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 1. Breeding Device 10. Containment Container 101 Container body 101a opening 102 Lid 102a Pollen addition port 102b Circular sheet 102c ventilation hole 102d mesh 11 Opening 12 Bottom (of the containment vessel) 121 Through hole 20 Spawning Substrate 30 Pollen 40 Water absorbing material 41 Water supply section 42 Suction section 50 cotton 60 trays

Claims

1. A method for producing phytoseiid mites, comprising housing phytoseiid mites in a housing space for propagating the phytoseiid mites, and propagating and mass-producing the phytoseiid mites in the housing space, comprising: The proliferation is carried out by placing, in the accommodation space, phytoseiid mites, an egg-laying substrate that helps the phytoseiid mites lay eggs, pollen that serves as food for the phytoseiid mites, and a water-absorbing material that supplies moisture to the phytoseiid mites; the accommodation space has through-holes on a surface through which the phytoseiid mites can move; the water-absorbing material has a water supply section for supplying moisture to the phytoseiid mites in the accommodation space and a suction section for suctioning moisture up to the water supply section, at least a portion of the suction section being string-shaped; a string-like portion of the suction unit is inserted into the through-hole, a portion of the suction unit is exposed to the outside of the storage space, and water outside the storage space is sucked up through the suction unit to the water supply unit, thereby supplying moisture to the phytoseiid mites in the storage space. Method for producing phytoseiid mites.

2. 2. The method for producing a phytoseiid mite according to claim 1, wherein the water-absorbing material is paper thread.

3. 2. The method for producing phytoseiid mites according to claim 1, wherein the water-absorbing material has at least two wicking portions, and the accommodation space has at least two through-holes corresponding to the at least two wicking portions.

4. 2. The method for producing a phytoseiid mite according to claim 1, wherein the pollen is supplied at a frequency of once per day to once per two weeks.

5. 2. The method for producing phytoseiid mites according to claim 1, wherein the storage space has an opening for preventing air from stagnating in the storage space, and an adhesive for restricting a movement range of the phytoseiid mites is applied to the storage space to prevent escape of the phytoseiid mites.

6. 2. The method for producing a phytoseiid mite according to claim 1, wherein the accommodation space is substantially free of gaps through which individual phytoseiid mites can pass.

7. A phytoseiid mite propagation device for mass-producing phytoseiid mites, comprising: a container for accommodating phytoseiid mites; an egg-laying substrate disposed within the container and supporting egg-laying of phytoseiid mites; Pollen placed in the container and serving as food for phytoseiid mites; a water-absorbing material disposed in the container for supplying moisture to the phytoseiid mites; Equipped with the container has through-holes on a surface through which the phytoseiid mites can move; The water-absorbing material has a water supply section for supplying water to the phytoseiid mites in the storage container, and a suction section for suctioning water up to the water supply section, at least a portion of the suction section being string-shaped, the string-shaped portion of the suction section being inserted into the through-hole, and a portion of the suction section being exposed to the outside of the storage container, so that water outside the storage container can be suctioned up to the water supply section through the suction section. Phytoseiid mite breeding device.

8. A kit for propagating phytoseiid mites for mass production of phytoseiid mites, a container for accommodating phytoseiid mites; an egg-laying substrate that helps phytoseiid mites lay eggs; Pollen that serves as food for phytoseiid mites, A water-absorbing material to supply moisture to phytoseiid mites. Equipped with the container has through-holes on a surface through which the phytoseiid mites can move; The water-absorbing material has a water supply section for supplying water to the phytoseiid mites in the storage container, and a suction section for suctioning water up to the water supply section, and at least a portion of the suction section is string-shaped, so that by inserting the string-shaped portion of the suction section into the through-hole and exposing a portion of the suction section to the outside of the storage container, water outside the storage container can be suctioned up to the water supply section through the suction section. Kit for breeding phytoseiid mites.

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