A Method for the Rearing of Egg Parasites of the Sugar-cane Moth-borers

Extract

In 1921, when engaged on work on the small moth-borers of sugar-cane (Diatraea spp.), the writer devised the method and apparatus for the rearing of the egg-parasites (Trichogramma minutum, Riley, and Prophanurus alecto, Cwfd.) of these insects which is described hereafter. It was proposed at the time to investigate further this method of control of small moth-borers, but owing to the change in the writer's position it has not been possible since to do any extensive work in this direction. As the rearing of Trichogramma by this method has been practised since 1921 on a small scale on the two estates on which it was initiated, and has now been adopted in a modified form on two other sugar estates in the Colony, it has been considered desirable to give an account of the method and a description of the appliances used in the rearing of these egg-parasites.