Improvements in Laboratory Rearing of the Southern Corn Rootworm,Diabrotica undecimpuncta howardiBarber (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), on an Artificial Diet and Corn

Abstract

Modifications of published procedures for rearing southern corn rootworms, Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardi Barber, on an artificial diet and corn are described. Approximately 30% of the larvae reared on the improved diet reach 18 mg (pupation weight) in 10 days, with <8% bacterial contamination of the diet. After six generations of selection for larval vigor, a diet strain was developed that parallels corn, with most larvae reaching 18 mg in 10 days. Using corn seedlings, a rearing technique that significantly reduces labor input and contamination is described.