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Minimising mortality in field and pot experiments using Heteronyx piceus Blanchard (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) eggs and larvae

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Ward, A.L. and Rogers, D. J. (2001) Minimising mortality in field and pot experiments using Heteronyx piceus Blanchard (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) eggs and larvae. Australian Journal of Entomology, 40 (1). pp. 56-60.

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Article Link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1046/j.1440-6055.2001.00211.x

Publisher URL: http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/cgi-bin/home

Abstract

The establishment of experimental populations of scarab larvae using eggs and early instar larvae has proven to be difficult for many researchers. Despite this, little work has been published examining ways to optimise establishment under artificial conditions. In this experiment, we examined the effect of shade and irrigation on the establishment of Heteronyx piceus Blanchard larvae introduced into pots as eggs and first-, second- and third-instar larvae to optimise artificial infestation techniques. The most important factor affecting larval establishment was the life stage introduced. Establishment of eggs and first instars was very low, with only 21% of eggs and 11% of first-instar larvae establishing. In contrast, 82% of second-instar larvae and 84% of third-instar larvae established successfully. The addition of shade marginally improved overall survival from 45% in the unshaded pots to 53% in the shaded pots. However, most of this increase was in the eggs and first instars. Irrigation did not improve survival. These results suggest that when introducing scarab larvae to field or pot experiments, second- or thirdinstar larvae should be used to maximise establishment. The provision of shade and supplementary irrigation is optional.

Item Type:Article
Corporate Creators:Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation (DEEDI), Agri-Science, Crop and Food Science , Plant Science
Business groups:Crop and Food Science
Additional Information:© Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
Keywords:Artificial infestation; Coleoptera; larval establishment; Scarabaeidae.
Subjects:Science > Zoology > Invertebrates > Insects
Plant pests and diseases
Live Archive:22 Oct 2007
Last Modified:03 Sep 2021 16:43

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