Co-Authors:
Ascher, K.R.S., Department of Toxicology, The Volcani Center, Agricultural Research Organization, Bet Dagan, Israel
Meisner, J., Department of Toxicology, The Volcani Center, Agricultural Research Organization, Bet Dagan, Israel
Abstract:
The 'Styropor method' consists of using lamellae of foamed polystyrene (styr.) as a carrier for phagostimulatory substances fed to phytophagous insects. The method was re-evaluated with larvae of S. littoralis as test insects and sucrose as phagostimulant. In experiments with different types of styr. and thickness of lamellae, styr. of type P16 and a thickness of 0.6 mm, respectively, was found to be the most advantageous. Larvae consumed about twice the weight of sucrose-treated styr. when offered water than when not offered it. There was a linear correlation between the initial weight of the respective larval groups and styr. consumption. No influence on the amount of feeding was exerted by prestarvation of up to 6 hours, illumination, or complete darkness. © 1973 North-Holland Publishing Company.