Micronutrients - Significance and function in growth and survival of insects – A case study

Bindu K. Jose; V. V. Sudheendrakumar; T. V. Sajeev

2014 Volume 1 Issue 3

Micronutrients - Significance and function in growth and survival of insects – A case study

Bindu K. Jose, V. V. Sudheendrakumar, T. V. Sajeev

Abstract

Eight different micronutrients (Wesson’s salt mixture, ascorbic acid, potassium, calcium, sodium, ferrous, vitamin E and a mixture of vitamins) in different combinations were given to Hyblaea puera in order to understand their role in insect growth. Larval growth period, survival rate, pupation rate, pupal size, pupal weight, moth emergence rate, moth behavior and fecundity rates were analyzed. Ascorbic acid increased feeding rate , Wesson’s salt shows marginal increase in the pupal weight and vitamin E caused statistically significant increase in fecundity rate of H. puera. The possibility of addition of selected micronutrients in a continuous H. puera rearing program was also
evaluated.

Key words: micronutrients, Hyblaea puera, artificial diet, insect development

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