A Device to Package a Semi-Solid Diet for Rearing Arthropod Predators

A new semisolid artificial diet enclosed in membranes that allow feeding by the predacious green lacewing, Chrysoperla rufilabris, has been invented by USDA/ARS scientist A. Cohen. Phase I studies conducted by Beneficial Insectary showed that the Cohen diet in the Cohen food pack was superior in several key areas to the live insect diet currently used for commercial mass rearing of C. rufilabris. The goal of Phase II is to conduct necessary research and development for implementation of the USDA invention in commercial insectary mass-rearing. The objectives of Phase II are: 1. Mechanize production of the food packets: 2. Develop SOP's for commercial production of the diet and food packs. 3. Conduct paired comparison tests with C. rufilabris fed the two diet regimes - the manufactured diet and food packs vs. live insect diet - in commercial mass-rearing production and in the laboratory, and 4. Conduct economic/financial analyses of the relative costs/benefits/risks between the two diet regimes. Implementation of the Cohen diet and food pack will fulfill the national goal to bring USDA inventions to fruition in the commercial sector, and is expected to allow for increased productivity, reduced production, costs and broadened markets for Beneficial Insectary in the U.S. And abroad.