Optimizing cold storage of Sitotroga cerealella eggs for the mass rearing of Trichogrammatoidea bactrae : Effects on reproductive performance of parent and progeny

This study investigates the effects of different cold storage temperatures (–2 °C, 2 °C, 4 °C, and 8 °C) and storage durations (1–25 days) on the quality of Sitotroga cerealella eggs and the reproductive performance of Trichogrammatoidea bactrae parasitoids. Results show that optimal storage conditions for both parents and offspring were found at 4 °C for up to 19 days, with high parasitism rates (≥93%), adult emergence (≥96%), and female proportions (≥75%).

Storage at 2 °C held host suitability for 13 days. However, storage at 8 °C resulted in reduced parasitism rates and poor performance, while –2 °C caused rapid deterioration after 5 days. The study identifies 4 °C for 19 days as the optimal protocol for effective cold storage of S. cerealella eggs and T. bactrae parasitoids, followed by 2 °C for 13 days.

This information is valuable for implementing successful augmentative biological control programs using trichogrammatids against insect pests in various crops.

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