Screening and evaluation of the artificial diets of Bradysia odoriphaga Yang et Zhang (Diptera: Sciaridae)

In order to solve the test sample shortage of Bradysia odoriphaga Yang et Zhang in the laboratory, we researched the artificial massive rearing technology. By the controlled variable method, we screened the formulae of artificial diet. By the two-sex life table method, we compared the rearing effect between the artificial diet and the natural diet, Chinese chives (Allium tuberosum), under the conditions of temperature 25, a photoperiod of 16L:8D and the relative humidity of 75%. We screened eight formulae and obtained the optimum ingredients and their proportions of artificial diets to B. odoriphaga: mushroom powder 6 g, Chinese chive powder 5 g, agar powder 1.25 g, sorbic acid 0.04 g, benzoate 0.05 g, yeast powder 0.5 g, vitamin C 2.5 g, and water 50 mL. Both artificial diet and Chinese chive can be used to rear B. odoriphaga, and the artificial diet is slightly better than Chinese chive. Moreover, the artificial diet is more economical and with low pesticide residue.