Effect of Storage at Low Temperatures on Development and Survival of Postparasitic Juveniles of Romanomermis culicivorax (Nematoda: Mermithidae)

Authors

  • D. P. Thornton
  • R. A. Brust
  • T. D. Galloway

Abstract

Development of postparasites and adult females of Romanomermis culicivorax Ross and S m i t h , 1976 may be retarded by keeping cultures at 10 or 15 C for 15 wk. Storage at 5 C resulted in high mortality of postparasites. A storage temperature o f l 0 C is suitable if development of postparasites, young adults, and gravid females is to be greatly retarded. None of the females were gravid when postparasites (1-6 days old) were kept at 10 C for 15 wk. Development resumed after the cultures were returned to 26 C and no significant mortality occurred. A storage temperature of 15 C is suitable if development is to be only moderately retarded. After a 15-wk storage period, only a few weeks were required to return the cultures to full production status. Key words: Romanomermis culicivorax, low temperature storage, mosquito parasite.

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Published

1982-07-15

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Articles