Mass Rearing of the Cabbage Maggot Under Controlled Environmental Conditions, with Observations on the Biology of Cyclodiene-Susceptible and Resistant Strains1

Abstract

A technique for mass rearing the cabbage maggot, Hylemya brassicae (Bouché), is described. Adults were provided with water, honey, and a source of protein to enhance egg production. Larvae were reared on rutabagas. The culture was maintained in a controlled environmental chamber programmed for a day temperature of 72 °F (18 hr), a night temperature of 66 °F (6 hr), 18 hr photoperiod, and 77± 3% RH. Strains not required for immediate use were placed in diapause. When placed at temperatures above 72 °F the pupae aestivated and emerged only when placed at lower temperatures. Studies on adults indicated that the resistant females lived longer and laid a slightly larger number of eggs than susceptible females. The data were insufficient to determine if these differences were statistically significant. No other differences were observed between susceptible and resistant strains. At 66-72°F a generation is complete in 41-61 days. Adults laid eggs over a period of 6-66 days and the average egg production per female was 371. The technique was satisfactory for production of at least 3000 flies per week.