Longevity Minimum 30 days, reached by at least 80% of the females examined
in the fecundity test; n=30; a seasonal test.
Fecundity 50 eggs per female per 10 days; n = 30; a seasonal test.
Description of testing methods
Quantity Nymphs: To accurately count the total number of insects, gently tap
the bottom of container on a hard surface to remove all insects cling-
ing to lid. Empty entire contents of bottle on to wire screen of appro-
priate size to separate vermiculite from insects and/or remove any
other packing material. Tapping holding container on a hard surface
will allow insects to fall to the bottom of the tray to prevent escape
during counting procedure. Begin counting the number of living,
active Podisus by hand-sorting one by one from one side of the count-
ing tray into a second container. Record numbers of live insects.
Eggs: Sieve packing material to separate eggs. Measure 10% of
sample by weight or volume and count eggs while viewing with dis-
secting microscope. A fine paintbrush is useful for manipulating
eggs. Multiply by 10 to estimate total number in container. Eggs can
then be used to determine eclosion rate.
Eclosion rate Prepare ten Petri dishes with one 2 cm piece of fresh bean pod in
each dish to provide moisture. Take eggs of P. maculiventrisat ran-
dom from a shipping unit. Place ten eggs in each Petri dish (= one
replicate) by transferring with a fine brush. Petri-dish covers must fit
tightly or be taped to prevent escape of nymphal neonates and
should allow proper ventilation. Check containers daily and record
when first nymphs observed. After 48 h, record number of nymphs
and non-viable eggs.
Viability Pretest conditions: If containers of P. maculiventrishave been chilled,
warm to 22°C and hold for minimum of 1 h prior to testing viability.
Acceptable Podisusare indicated by motility, grasping ability and/or
lacking signs of desiccation or starvation, i.e. dorsoventrally flattened
insects and dull colour patterns indicate poor quality.
Fecundity For each replicate, confine a mating pair within a small, ventilated
cage or large Petri dish. Provide insects with a water wick and ad libi-
tumprey (yellow meal-worms, Tenebrio molitor). Check cages daily
for 10 days and record eggs produced. Remove eggs daily after
counting them. Add up the daily counts to get the total fecundity for
10 days. Calculate the mean and standard error for the 30 replicates.
Exclude individuals that do not lay eggs throughout the test, but
indicate their number.
Designers and coordinators: A. Hale and P. DeClercq (provisional test).
Quality Control Guidelines for Biocontrol Agents 299