Successful application of the sterile insect technique (SIT), an environmentally friendly control technology, mainly depends on mass-rearing of high-quality and high-performance insects. For mass-rearing of insects, the development of artificial diets is a key component. For optimal insect growth and development, sugar is an essential nutrient as it provides energy for flight. To date, few studies have analyzed the effects of different sugar contents on the biological parameters, including the flight capacity of Grapholita molesta, a globally important economic pest. Artificial diets with different sucrose contents (0, 15, and 30 g) were evaluated in two consecutive generations. The insect flight mill was used to study the G. molesta flight capacity. The larval and pupal periods, adult longevity and pupal weight of the first-generation of G. molesta reared on artificial diets with different sucrose contents were significantly different. Insects of the second-generation had a shorter larval period, greater adult longevity, and heavier larvae and pupae in the treatment with 30 g of sucrose than using 15 g. Among the males, strong, medium, and weak flight capacities were recorded and the weakest one was observed in the diet without sucrose. Results showed that the proportion of insects with highest flight capacity increased with increasing sucrose content in insects of the second generation. It can be concluded that sucrose content is a key determinant in the biological traits, including flight capacity of G. molesta, and should be taken into consideration during the mass-rearing of the pest for SIT.
How to translate text using browser tools
17 November 2020
Life-History Traits and Flight Capacity of Grapholita Molesta (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) Using Artificial Diets With Varying Sugar Content
Sha Su,
Xueting Wang,
Chengzhi Jian,
Amedius Dwigo Ignatus,
Xiaohe Zhang,
Xiong Peng,
Maohua Chen
ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE
It is not available for individual sale.
This article is only available to subscribers.
It is not available for individual sale.
It is not available for individual sale.
![](/ContentImages/journals/ecen/114/1/1/WebImages/170.114.0100.cover.jpg)
Journal of Economic Entomology
Vol. 114 • No. 1
March 2021
Vol. 114 • No. 1
March 2021
differentiation
flight capacity
Grapholita molesta
sterile insect technique
sugar content