Utilization of germinated broad bean seeds as an oviposition substrate in mass rearing of the predatory bug, Orius sauteri (Poppius) (Heteroptera : Anthocoridae)

Utilization of germinated broad bean seed (Vicia faba L.) as an alternative oviposition substrate for Orius sauteri (Poppius), a candidate biological control agent against thrips, was investigated under condition of 24 degree sC and 16L: 8D. O. sauteri could lay eggs in a juvenile root of germinated broad bean seed provided as an oviposition substrate and these eggs could h atch with 97.1% hatch rate. Both nymphs and adults of O. sauteri were succe ssfully reared on diet of the Mediterranean flour moth eggs (Ephestia kuehn iella Zeller) with germinated broad beans as an oviposition substrate and w ithout supplemental water supply. Mean developmental time from hatching to adult eclosion was 12.9 days for males and 13.3 days for females. Mean long evity of ovipositing females was 41.5 days and the total mean number of egg s laid per female was 108.7. Germinated broad beans could provide water and were suitable as an oviposition substrate. Germinated broad bean seeds wit h eggs could be stored at 2.5 degreesC to 12.5 degreesC for one week and th ese eggs could hatch at high rates. Thus, germinated broad bean seed appear ed to be a suitable oviposition substrate for mass production of O. sauteri .