Aquatic larvae of chironomid midge, Chironomus riparius Meigen, are one of the richest diets in fish REARING systems. The quantity and quality of food used to REARING these larvae, affect this developmental stage. This study was conducted to determine the effect of different diets (chicken manure, rice bran and soybean meal) with different weights (1, 3 and 5 gr) on larval development, the best time of harvesting at different constant temperatures (16-20, 22±1, 24±1, 26±1, 28±1 and 30±1°C) and the yield (larval live weight (gr) m-2 per week) based on the number of reared egg MASSes with the favorable diet. Results indicated that the highest weight of harvested larvae obtained when they fed on 5 gr of chicken manure (3.53±0.4, P < 0.01). The last larval instars were harvested at the shortest time (on 13th days), when reared at 24±1 or 26±1°C feeding on chicken manure (compared to other temperatures). Mean yield of 131.38± 13.99 gr m-2 per week obtained, when five egg MASSes were reared at 26±1°C on the chicken manure.

Breeding and cultivation of native chironomid (Chironomus albidus) midges of the Guilan Province were carried out to produce larvae in REARING system and to be also used for feeding fish larvae and fingerlings. In this study, 4 metal trays (65×65×10 cm) and 6 plastic basins with the capacity of 35 L were designed and built. Trays and basins were installed vertically and then equipped with aeration and water supply systems. In small part of the REARING site, a 2-liter fiberglass tanks was used for collection of egg clutches. After collection and introduction of egg clutches into the trays and plastic basins, the amount of harvested chironomid larvae were calculated during a consecutive REARING period. A total of 0.978 kg/m2 larvae of chironomid will be produced and harvested daily under REARING conditions. Results obtained from this study revealed that 382 g/m2 chironomid larvae were harvested on the 15th day of REARING as a percentage of the first reared group and then a total of 2 kg/m2 larvae were obtained periodically from all the population of a group on the 16th day of REARING.

Introduction: In order to control the diseases that are transmitted to human and animal by arthropod vectors, it is necessary to investigate vectors and to recognize control methods as well. These studies are applicable by REARING the colonies of arthropod blood-feeders like malaria and leishmaniasis in laboratory. The purpose of this study was to produce MASS production of Anopheles stephensi (Lis.) by artificial feeding with human blood in insectary.Methods: We prepared an apparatus composed of a digital thermostat with sensor, element, contactor and a magnet in order to blood-feed An. stephensi. The Para film "M" and a human whole blood unit were used as a membrane and nutrient source for artificial feeding, respectively. The blood was placed in a soft lid and its surface was covered with Para film "M". The soft drink lids with blood were placed on the cage surface and indirectly warmed by element. An. stephensi fed from blood.Results: Three consecutive generations were reared without blood-feeding on host alive from the egg of mother colony. Female mosquito feeding rate was 47.7% to 64%. The average females feeding and ovipositing times were 10 and 9 times, respectively. No mortality was seen among the larvae. All of the pupae emerged to the adult. The second and third generation of population ratios to first population generation was 6 and 25 folds, respectively.Conclusion: Our findings showed that artificial feeding by human blood, especially in the investigational projects was completely efficient and suitable for increasing mosquitoes' population in specific time.

The diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella, is a destructive pest of crucifers in different parts of the word. Cotesia vestalis (Hym.: Braconidae) is one of the best agents for application in biological control programs of this pest. In order to examine the quality control of C. vestalis including: parasitism rate, survival rate, offspring sex ratio, adult longevity and progeny fecundity in different MASS-REARING conditions, an experiment was conducted with three different treatments. All experiments were conducted in the laboratory at 26±2°C, 75 ± 5 % RHand 16L: 8D h photoperiod. The treatments including (1) (SLD) a big cage (55´70´100 cm), 12 cabbage plants, 240 pest larvae and 30 female parasitoid (2) (BMD) a smaller cage (50´55´70 cm), 6 cabbage plants, 120 pest larvae and 15 female parasitoid (3) (BMU) a big cage, 12 cabbage plants and a natural population of pest larvae. Results showed that in treatments of BMD and SLD, adult's survival rate of C. vestalis were 62.8±4.2 and 69.8±3.2, adult's longevity were 13.5±0.04 and 13±0.03, progeny fecundity were 200.4±6.2 and 195.9±5.7 and production of pupae were 57.2±0.02 and 56±0.02, respectively. Results show that there was a significant difference between BMD and SLD compared to BMU for MASS production of C. vestalis.

The predatory mite, Neoseiulus californicus preys on phytophagous mites and small insect pests. Different methods were investigated for studying of MASS REARING methods of this predatory mite. We used different host plants (lima bean leaves, strawberry leaves, mulberry leaves, cucumber leaves) and artificial plates as arena and different diets (Tetranychus urticae Koch eggs, Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Schrank) nymphs and adults, and Anagasta kuehniella (Zeller) eggs), plant pollens (walnut pollen, sun flower pollen, bee pollen, corn pollen and date pollen). In each REARING container, 15 female predatory on exciseted sponge used. The number of predatory mites were counted after 5, 10 and 14 days. In another test, we investigated the survival and fecundity rate with removeing the eggs of predatory mite in each container. The best choice for MASS REARING of this predatory mite is agar beds with feeding on Tyrophagus mite. The longevity (18. 50 days) and fecundity (34. 10 eggs per female) of the predatory mite on agar were more than other treatments (P<0. 05). The plastic arena prepared appropriate condition for this predatory mite. The best choice for MASS REARING between the tested pollens were walnut and date pollen because of their more nutritious compounds. The date pollen is the most economic. The nymphs and adults of Tyrophagus mite were suitable. Using of artificial materials such as agar and plant pollens for MASS REARING of this predatory mite could facilitate the way for control of key pests.