Skip to main content
ARS Home » Southeast Area » Tifton, Georgia » Crop Protection and Management Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #173039
Title: PROGRESS ON EXTRACTION OF CODLING MOTH PUPAE FROM DIET TO FACILITATE HANDLING, SHIPPING AND IRRADIATION OF INSECTS

Author
item Carpenter, James
item BLOEM, STEPHANIE - FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY
item BLOEM, KENNETH - USDA APHIS CPHST

Submitted to: IAEA-FAO Research Coordination Meeting for CRP
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/1/2004
Publication Date: 12/1/2004
Citation: Carpenter, J.E., Bloem, S., Bloem, K. 2004. Progress on extraction of codling moth pupae from diet to facilitate handling, shipping, and irradiation of insects. In: Proc. of the Second Research Co-ordination Meeting, FAO/IAEA Coordinated Research Program, "Improvement of Codling Moth SIT to Facilitate Expansion of Field Application", March 8-12, 2004, Stellenbosch, South Africa. p. 119-124.

Interpretive Summary: Mass-reared insects to be used in a sterile technique program often are shipped in the pupal stage. However, pupae of moth species spin silk cocoons that can obstruct the collection of the pupae for handling or shipment. We are developing cost effective methodoglogies to extract pupae from the cocoons and the diet, and develop appropriate shipping, emergence and irradiation technologies for the pupae. In addition, we will conduct evaluations of insect quality to insure that additional handling of the diet and pupae does not compromise moth quality and competitiveness. Initial studies conducted on codling moth pupae embedded in the sawdust-based diet included the use of diet re-hydration, agitation, sieving, and pressurized water sprays to release the codling moth pupae. These procedures were followed by the application of a de-silking agent to separate pupae from cocoons. Pressurized water spray was the most effective technique for removing most of the diet solids from the mass of pupal cocoons. Various concentrations of sodium hypochlorite were assayed for their ability to dissolve the silk and free the pupae from their cocoons. Preliminary results suggest that concentrations between 0.06 to 6.00% sodium hypochlorite are efficacious in de-silking the pupae. Evaluations of insect quality are currently underway for insects that have undergone these treatments.

Technical Abstract: The agar-free artificial diet developed for the codling moth by Brinton et al. (1969) is economical and has been used successfully by the Okanagan-Kootenay Sterile Insect Release (OKSIR) Program in British Columbia to consistently produce 15-16 million codling moth adults per week. As managed by the OKSIR Rearing Facility, the diet is dehydrated during the three-week larval development so that mature larvae choose to remain in the diet when it is time to pupate. Therefore, adult moths emerge directly from the diet, which minimizes labor input and insect handling. While this diet and collection system have proven to be very efficient for the OKSIR Program in BC, it does not permit the collection of pupae with ease and, as such, has precluded the shipment and potential sale of large quantities of codling moth pupae to laboratories or programs in distant locations. Transport of mass reared insects to distant locations has been an integral part of many SIT programs. Examples include the pink bollworm, gypsy moth, medfly, and screwworm fly. To facilitate the expanded use of the OKSIR facility, potentially provide a source of revenue to the OKSIR Program, and support other SIT Programs for codling moth around the world, we are developing cost effective methodologies to extract the pupae from the diet and appropriate shipping, emergence and irradiation technologies for the pupae. Initial studies conducted on pupae embedded in the sawdust-based diet included the use of diet re-hydration, agitation, sieving, and pressurized water sprays to release the codling moth pupae. These procedures were followed by the application of a de-silking agent to separate pupae from cocoons. Studies also included examining the effect of the different extraction treatments on adult emergence and insect quality. Pressurized water spray was the most effective technique for removing most of the diet solids from the mass of pupal cocoons. Various concentration of sodium hypochlorite were assayed for their ability to dissolve the silk and free the pupae from their cocoons. Preliminary results suggest that concentrations between 0.06 to 6.00% sodium hypochlorite are efficacious in de-silking the pupae. Evaluations of insect quality are currently underway for insects that have undergone these treatments.