A modified Artificial Diet based on A. M.

Shelton’s original formula

Prepared at the insectory of the MARDI.

 The modified diet was found to be suitable for rearing some of this insect:
 Spodoptera litura (Army worm)
 Spodoptera exigua (Army worm)
 Plutella xylostella (Cabbage Worm)
 Trichoplusia ni (Cabbage Looper)
 Helicoverpa armigera (Cotton Ballworm)
 Crocidolomia binotalis (Cabbage Headworm)
 Hellula undalis (Cabbage Webworm)

 One gallon of diet or approximately equivalent to 60 – 70 Styrofoam cups. Thickness of diet required all
depends on the type of insects to be reared. For example:
 P.xylostella needs only 1½ - 2 cm thick of diet till pupation (15 days duration eggs−>pupae).
 C.binotalis (bigger insects) needs 2½ - 3 cm till pupation (21 days duration eggs−>pupae).

INGREDIENTS & PROCEDURE: - (80 – 100 Cups)

Part A
Materials Measure
1. Agar (adhesive & gelling) 96 grams
2. Filtered water 2900 ml
 Heat & keep stirring till rolling boil for (15 minutes) −> add in Part B

Part B
Materials Measure
1. Casein (Protein) 126 grams
−>[alternative milk powder]
2. Sugar (Carbohydrates) 135 grams
3. Raw finely ground wheat germ (fat) 175 grams
−>[alternative oat]
 Blend thoroughly (mixer) −> add in Part C

Part C
Materials Measure
1. Ice water 400 ml (±14 cubes)
 To cool down diet temperature to approximately 60°C for sustaining the viability of vitamin & minerals.

−> add in Part D

Part D
Materials Measure
1. Wesson’s salt (Minerals) 36 grams

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 2. Potassium Sorbate (Mold inhibitors) 4.0 grams
3. Cellulose (= alphacel) 25 grams
[Non nutritive –> for fiber & increase bulk]
4. Methyl Paraben (Mold Inhibitors) 5.4 grams
 Blend thoroughly −> add in Part E

Part E
Materials Measure
1. Linseed oil (fat) 26 ml
−>[alternative mazola oil /sunflower oil]
2. 45% KOH (131gram in 250ml distilled water) 9 ml
−>[For stabilizing diet Ph]
3. 40% Formalin (Microbial inhibitors) 3 ml
−>[alternative Min care /Alcohol/Ethanol]
 Blend thoroughly −> add in Part F

Part F
Materials Measure
1. Cabbage powder 30 grams
 To sustain insect’s memory of their original food & food value that cannot be manufactured artificially.

Blend thoroughly −> add in Part G

Part G
Materials Measure
1. Vitamin mix (for sex & vision) 36 grams
−>[Vitamin E & Vitamin A]
2. Fumadil B 0.9 grams
−>[For controlling protozoa – Nosema sp]
3. Aureomysin acid – 14.1% active (Antibiotics) 4.0 grams
4. Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) 14 grams
 Blend thoroughly −> Pour diet into cups.

Leave diet to harden & dry for 4 – 5 Hours before infesting eggs.

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