Production of Coleopteran Predators

Authors: Riddick, Eric

Submitted to: Mass Production of Beneficial Organisms: Invertebrates and Entomopathogens
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/16/2021
Publication Date: 1/1/2023
Citation: Riddick, E.W. 2023. Production of Coleopteran predators. In: Morales-Ramos, J.A., Rojas, M.G., Shapiro-Ilan, D.I., editors. Mass Production of Beneficial Organisms: Invertebrates and Entomopathogens. 2nd edition. San Diego, CA: Academic Press. p. 13-36.

Interpretive Summary: In this book chapter, which will be included in the second edition of the book entitled "Mass Production of Beneficial Organisms: Invertebrates and Entomopathogens", the author focuses on mass producing coleopteran (beetle) predators of pests of agriculture throughout the world. Efficient mass production techniques are necessary to generate high quantities of coleopteran predators for augmentative biological control of plant pests. Although coleopteran predators with a wide diet breadth (polyphagous) have been reared with some success, recent advances demonstrate the potential of developing artificial diets for oligophagous species. Critical areas of research to advance rearing technology for oligophagous coleopteran predators can include manipulating rearing (population) densities relative to food quality/quantity, cage size, oviposition and mating to reduce negative effects of crowding and cannibalism in colonies. Also, climatic conditions (e.g., temperature and relative humidity) could be adjusted to regulate metabolic rates of coleopteran predators to manipulate colony size during periods of high or low demand. Finally, measures or estimates of “quality" for mass produced coleopteran predators are necessary to ensure that healthy and robust individuals of high fitness are available for shipment to customers for augmentative releases onto infested crop plants.

Technical Abstract: Coleopteran predators have been used to manage pest populations in natural and managed landscapes for centuries. In some instances, predators must be mass produced to generate the quantities necessary for augmentation biological control. The research literature reveals moderate advances in technology to mass produce coleopteran predators, especially lady beetles. Several factitious prey/foods and artificial diets for polyphagous species are available. Recent advances demonstrate the potential of developing artificial diets for oligophagous species. More research is necessary to determine effective methods to manipulate rearing (population) densities, relative to food quality/quantity, cage size, oviposition, and mating, to reduce negative effects of crowding and cannibalism in colonies. Temperature could be adjusted to regulate the metabolic rate of coleopteran predators to adjust colony size during periods of high or low demand. More research is necessary to establish measures of “quality control” for mass produced coleopteran predators through regular monitoring for acceptable fitness and unwanted pathogens pre- and post-shipment to customers.