Studies on the effect of host nutrition on the larval parasite, Microbracon brevicornis Wesmael (Braconidae: Hymenoptera)

Abstract

Literature on effect of nutrition on fecundity, development and longevity of insects with special reference to entomophagous forms has been reviewed. Comparative studies of eleven different nutrient media were made to ascertain their effect on the development and growth of the larvae of Corcyra cephalonica (Stainton) using coarsely ground wheat flour as a medium of basic diet. The larval duration was considerably reduced,by 10-14 days when the larvae were reared in a medium of basic diet containing coarsely ground wheat flour to which either fructose , or a combination of black gram powder and glucose fortified with yeast were added. The pupal duration of Corcyra cephalonica was not much affected by various nutrient media , through addition of bengal gram powder to basic diet in the larval nutrition shortened the pupal period by two days.