A method for rearing the persimmon fruit moth, Stathmopoda masinissa (Lepidoptera : Stathmopodidae) using cultured tip tissue of Japanese persimmon, Diospyros kaki.

The Persimmon Fruit Moth, Stathmopoda masinissa Meyrick is an important pes t of Japanese persimmon fruit, but it is difficult to rear under artificial conditions. We report an artificial rearing method using cultured tip tiss ue of the Japanese persimmon, Diospyros kaki. Significant differences were not found for different sterilizing conditions using corrosive sublimate at egg hatching, but were found at different solution concentrations at pupat ion and emergence. The decline in hatchability is thought to be due to exce ss humidity and the lethal effect of the solution on eggs when used for mor e than the optimum sterilizing period. These results suggest that the best sterilizing condition is a 0.4% solution for 3 min. The pupation and emerge nce rates are highest at 25 degrees C. The theoretical developmental zero p oint is 12.4 degrees C and the total effective temperature is 523.78 day de grees. The optimum rearing density is two eggs per bottle. Laboratory reare d adults were smaller than wild adults.