EVALUATION OF MASS-REARING PROCEDURES FOR BACTROCERA-LATIFRONS (DIPTERA, TEPHRITIDAE)

Simple low-cost techniques and equipment have been developed for the m ass production of Bactrocera latifrons (Hendel). A new oviposition sti mulant (papaya juice) and egging cage, stackable larval rearing trays, and larval collection cabinets were developed and tested. An artifici al wheat millfeed diet was modified for use as a production diet by su bstitution of bran for wheat millfeed. An important finding during the se studies was that dilution of oviposition stimulants (fresh pepper a nd papaya juice) with water increased egg harvest. During 1991, these procedures were implemented and increased production of B. latifrons p upae by 121% over previously published methods. The application of the se procedures to the development of the sterile insect technique for s uppression of B. latifrons is discussed.