Novel technique for the mass rearing of larvac of green lace wing (chrysoperia carnea) for biological control against cotton pests

Abstract

A novel process proves the best for mass culturing of Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens) larvae. All three larval instars are predatory stages. Cannibalism among larvae of C: carnea reduced number of predatory stages. The act of cannibalism is reported within instars as well as noted in intra and inter instars and it is observed that this cannibalism is also present in adults. To solve this important issue in larvae, this novel process of larval rearing of green lacewings results hundred percent larval survival and hundred percent pupal recoveries. Among old and new larval rearing methods, this novel processrearing in Plastic transparent tubes results the best. One standard size straw, utilize as four larval rearing units. Among each piece of straw single larva placed. Frozen eggs of Sitotroga cerealella used as diet in a very small quantity (0.02g).There is no need to change the diet in larval duration of 7-10 days. larval period in straw tubes is minimum than the other rearing methods. Pupal recovery hundred percent and there is no chance of cannibalism and escaping of larva in straw tubes. Diet consumption is hundred percent. Holes make aeration in transparent tubes as a result there is no any chance of moisture in rearing units. This novel process is easy to handle larvae with minimum time and minimum food.