Insect rearing management as a prerequisite in the development of IPM for sustainable food production

Abstract

Insect rearing and its management is a prerequisite in developing IPM packages for various food crops. Insects reared for the development of these packages should be regularly monitored for quality in order to ensure success. This paper describes various methods of rearing followed at the ICIPE in the process of IPM development. The rearing of Chilo partellus is described as an example of large-scale rearing. Steps in the experimental rearing of Busseola fusca are outlined. The rearing of an egg parasitoid, Trichogramma mwanzai is described as a vital technology in the IPM of maize and sorghum. The value of quality control is emphasized using the rearing of the phytoseiid mite, Neoseiulus teke as an example.