Comparison of hemolymph and holotissues of different species of insects as diet components for in vitro rearing of Trichogramma galloi Zucchi and T-pretiosum Riley

The aim of this work was to compare pupal holotissues (Diatraea saccharalis, Anticarsia gemmatalis, and Bombyx mori) and larval hemolymph of several moth species (Helicoverpa tea and Bombyx mori) commonly produced in Brazilian laboratories as components of artificial diets for in vitro rearing of Trichogramma galloi and Trichogramma pretiosum. Diets based on larval hemolymph of H. tea produced the best development of both natural enemies, although a diet with pupal holotissues of B. mori allowed full development of I: pretiosum. Amino acid analysis showed qualitative differences among the insect derivates and eggs of the natural and alternative hosts, but with a quantitative similarity. Electrophoretic analysis resulting in a diverse protein-stained bands evidenced the qualitative differences among these components. (C) 1996 Academic Press, Inc.