Evaluating the suitable artificial diet for rearing of the green lacewing adult Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens, 1836) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) under Laboratory Conditions

Abstract

The common green lacewing, Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens, 1836) is best-known as bio-control agent. It is mass reared and released for biological control programs against sucking insect pests in Agricultural crops. A laboratory experiment was conducted to evaluate the artificial diets for the rearing of C. carnea was conducted in bio-control laboratory at Nuclear Institute of Agriculture, Tandojam. Different solution concentration of diets i.e.; Brewer yeast, Protein hydrolysate, Honey and Sugar were formulated at different (1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 grams) solution concentration with 20 ml water were offered to newly emerged C.carnea adults inside the four liter glass jars to observe different biological parameters. The shortest pre- oviposition period (3.5±0.09c) was recorded on brewer yeast 4 grams then, 2 3 and 5 grams followed by Protein solution and Honey solution whereas; longest pre-oviposition period (4.9±0.36a) was recorded on 1 gram Sugar solution. Moreover, significantly highest (P ≤ 0.05) fecundity and fertility (215.6±6.18a, 194.2±5.55a) respectively were observed on 4 gram brewer yeast then 2, 3 and 5 grams followed by Protein solution and Honey solution. The longest longevity of C.carnea female and male 49.3±2.34a and 39.0±2.08a) respectively was recorded on 4 gram brewer yeast then 2, 3 and 5grams followed by Protein solution, Honey solution., whereas, shortest longevity of female and male (14.6.±1.67cd and 9.6±1.33d) respectively was observed on 1 gram sugar solution. The shortest incubation, larval and pupal duration (3.0±0.33d, 13.3± 0.48d and 4.1±0.10 c ) respectively was recorded on 4 gram brewer yeast then 2, 3 and 5 grams, followed by Protein solution, Honey solution. The longest incubation, larval and pupal duration (4.95±1.20 a, 15.9± 1.50a and 6.7±0.80a) was observed on 1 gram Sugar solution The findings of this study can significantly persuade the better and cheapest artificial diet ingredients for the adult rearing of this predator in the laboratory and brewer yeast is very cheapest having significant role in adult rearing of C. carnea. Keywords