Abstract:
A study on feeding effect of different sucrose levels on cochineal was carried out. The sucrose was prepared in 10 concentration levels (0.0, 47.5, 95.0, 190.0, 237.5, 285.0, 380.0, 475.0, 617.5, and 712.5 g·L-1) and 10 samples were repeated on each level. The results showed that the feeding effect of sucrose on cochineal insect was very obvious, and the appropriate concentration of sucrose would be helpful to improve cochineal yield. With the concentration ranged from 47.5 g·L-1 to 475.0 g·L-1, the sucrose increased the larva quantity on cacti; with the concentration of 285.0 g·L-1, the survival rate of cochineal was quite high and population was stable; the concentration of 47.5 g·L-1 to 380.0 g·L-1 could increase the number of female adult, the fresh weight and dry weight of cochineal. In addition, all the sucrose concentration levels could improve the amount of eggs and enlarge female adults. It is showed that 285.0 g·L-1 sucrose level is most helpful to feed cochineal.