NUTRITION OF THE FALL ARMYWORM (LEPIDOPTERA, NOCTUIDAE) - AN ECONOMIC LARVAL DIET FOR ITS MASS-PRODUCTION IN LABORATORIES

Abstract

The laboratory rearing of the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith), with diluted larval diets resulted in the more economical and efficient mass production of this insect. The reduction of nutritive ingredients in the diluted diet slightly reduced the larval weight compared to insects reared in the standard diet. Apparently the standard diet was more effective when it was diluted around 60\% with water. However, with a diluted diet similar to this one, we managed to reduce the price by 60\% from the standard diet.