Effects of feeding foods with different protein contents on the growth of Tenebrio molitor and its parasitism by Scleroderma sichuanensis Xiao
Author of the article:HUANG Xiong** YE Meng*** ZHOU Zu-Ji HE Qian-Qian
Author's Workplace:Forestry College, Sichuan Agriculture University, Chengdu 611130, China
Key Words: Tenebrio molitor, protein, Scleroderma sichuanensis Xiao, parasitic ability
Abstract:
[Objectives] To find a formula that is promotes both the growth and reproduction of Tenebrio molitor, and its parasitism by Scleroderma sichuanensis Xiao. [Methods] The growth and reproduction of Tenebrio molitor populations provided with food with different protein content, were monitored and compared. T. molitor pupae were inoculated with S. sichuanensis Xiao and put in an incubator. After 5 days, the amount of S. sichuanensis in each treatment group was quantified and the statistical significance of betweengroup differences analyzed. [Results] Each of the ten feeds tested supported normal T. molitor growth and reproduction and there were significant correlations between these variables. The results of correlation and regression analysis were the same. The rate of parasitism of T. molitor by S. sichuanensis varied from 86.25% to 96.97% and there were no significant differences between treatment groups. However, significantly higher fecundity of S. sichuanensis was recorded in treatment groups that received food with protein contents of 14.09% and 13.73%. [Conclusion] Feeding T. molitor feeds containing about 14% (13.73%-14.09%) protein resulted in significantly higher fecundity of S. sichuanensis.