Suitability of different artificial diets for mass rearing of six lepidopteran pest species

Abstract Busseola fusca (Fuller) (Noctuidae), Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) (Crambidae), Eldana saccharina (Walker) (Pyralidae), Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Noctuidae), Sesamia calamistis (Hampson) (Noctuidae) and Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Noctuidae) are six of the most important insect pests of sugarcane, sorghum and maize in Africa. Suitable artificial diets are needed for the continuous rearing of these species in sufficient numbers to support research on Bt protein-incorporated artificial diet bioassays, screening for host plant resistance, as well as for monitoring of insecticide and Cry-protein resistance evolution in pest populations. This study evaluated diet protocols for rearing of these species. Different noctuid and crambid diets were evaluated and the following life history parameters were recorded: larval survival and mass, larval duration, pupation rate, pupal mass, duration of pupal period and sex ratio. Chilo partellus, E. saccharina and H. armigera excelled on a sugarcane-incorporated diet with high larval survival and mass, pupation and the quickest development to adults. Busseola fusca , S. calamistis and S. frugiperda performed better on a maize leaf-incorporated diet. These two diets are considered optimal for the respective species and are recommended for use in rearing of these species.