Culture of Helicoverpa armigera

The artificial diet for larvae was prepared by mixing 25 g Stonefly Heliothis diet (Ward’s ScienceX) with 100 mL water:vinegar (19:1). Vineger (has antifungal and antibacterial properties) was prepared as 5% acetic acid.

Neonate H. armigera larvae were placed into each compartment of a 24-cell or 26-cell rearing container using a moist paintbrush.

Artificial diet was added to each compartment using a 50 ml syringe. Diet was replenished as required during larval developmental stages.

All developmental stages were kept in a growth chamber under non-diapause condition at 25-26 °C, 14-16 h light, 60-70% relative humidity.

Upon pupation, insects were transferred to a communal 7l container using a spatula.

Immediately prior to pupation (approximately 2 weeks after pupation), 5-10 % honey water was prepared, added to medicine cups with a lid and wick, and placed into the container with pupae. Two layers of miracloth were also attached under the lid of the container.

After adult moths emerged and eggs layed onto the miracloth, the miracloth was removed from the container and placed into a fresh container in preparation for larval hatching from fertilized eggs.

If required, the cycle was repeated using fresh materials.