NOVEL APPLICATION OF GELS AS POTENTIAL CARRIERS FOR BENEFICIAL INSECTS

Citation
Dj. Jenkins et al., NOVEL APPLICATION OF GELS AS POTENTIAL CARRIERS FOR BENEFICIAL INSECTS, Journal of economic entomology, 91(2), 1998, pp. 419-427
Citations number
37
Categorie Soggetti
Entomology,Agriculture
ISSN journal
00220493
Volume
91
Issue
2
Year of publication
1998
Pages
419 - 427
Database
ISI
SICI code
0022-0493(1998)91:2<419:NAOGAP>2.0.ZU;2-2
Abstract
Seven agricultural gels were tested as potential carriers for the eggs of 2 predators, Perillus bioculatus (F.) and Podisus maculiventris (S ay) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae). Gels were tested for their effects on egg hatch in petri dishes, covered and uncovered, using 3 viscosities . Egg hatch in petri dishes was generally higher in polyacrylamide gel s (Aquastore F and Terra-sort GB) and starch-based gels (SGP 104K and Waterlock B-100) than in hydroxycellulose-based N-Gel or alginate-base d Keltose. Egg hatch was lower in covered versus uncovered dishes, and also lower in high viscosity versus low or medium viscosity gels; how ever, high viscosities were necessary to stick eggs to plant leaves. F our gels from the petri dish trials were tested on eggplant (Solanum m elongena L.) and potato plants (Solanum tuberosum L.) in the greenhous e using both predators. The polyacrylamide gels (Aquastore F and Terra -sorb GB) consistently resulted in the highest percentage hatch: hatch rates using these gels were equivalent to the control for P. maculive ntris on eggplant, and 19 -46% lower than controls on other predator-p lant combinations. Hatch data from eggs stored with and without Aquast ore F or Terra-sorb GB at 5, 10, or 15 degrees C for 5, 10, or 15 d we re compared with those stored at 25 degrees C, with and without gel. E ggs stored in gel did not hatch. Percentage hatch of eggs of both pred ators stored without gel was lowered by increased storage duration, bu t was less affected by temperature. Gel amendments (H2O2 and spreader/ stickers) decreased hatch rates in gels. Possible explanations for the varying effects of the gels on egg hatch are discussed. Delivery of p redator eggs in gels in the future may have practical use in augmentat ive biological control programs.