A Technique for Rearing Choristoneura pinus1 on Artificial Diet2

Abstract

Larvae of the jack-pine budworm, Choristoneura pinus Freeman, reared on artificial diet approached field collected specimens in size. Mortality during hibernation accounted for the largest reduction of individuals in each generation. Survival on the diet was high enough (70%) to make the technique efficient for mass-rearing purposes. Important points to consider are the careful handling of the insect in all stages, establishment of second-instar larvae in the diet, size of mating containers, and length of time spent in hibernation.