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Unlike the four parasites so far mentioned,
Diadromus collaris is a pupal parasite of DBM.
This parasite, therefore, supplements the control achieved by
other parasites. |
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Place 100 cocoons of Diadromus in a
50 cm x 50 cm x 40 cm nylon net cage. Hang a plastic sheet sprayed
with honey solution inside the cage and also place a wad of absorbent
cotton dipped in 10% honey solution inside the cage to feed.
Diadromus can be reared effectively at the same temperature
as that for Microplitis. |
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After Diadromus adults have emerged,
place a large number of DBM prepupae or fresh pupae, in a single
layer in a petri dish inside the cage. Do not stack the pupae
or else the pupae at the bottom will not get parasitized. After
48 hours, remove all DBM pupae and place a fresh lot of DBM pupae
for parasitization. |
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Since Diadromus is a pupal parasite
and spends its egg, larval, and pupal stages inside DBM pupae,
it is difficult to distinguish between DBM and Diadromus
pupae. However, toward the end of the pupal period, Diadromus
pupae turn dark brown, whereas DBM pupae remain light brown. |
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Maintain pupae in the rearing room for 15
days during which time Diadromus larvae will pupate inside
the DBM pupae. Diadromus adults, which are the same size
as Diadegma adults, will come out from pupae starting
at the end of 15 days. |
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