How should Cifox be cultivated for ground fleas? - briefly
Cultivate Cifox in moist, loamy soil kept at 20‑25 °C with a pH of 6.5‑7.0, supplying regular organic matter to sustain ground flea development, and harvest the plants before flowering to spread them evenly over the infested area for continuous feeding.
How should Cifox be cultivated for ground fleas? - in detail
Cifox must be grown under controlled humidity, temperature, and substrate composition to support the life cycle of ground fleas. Optimal temperature ranges from 22 °C to 28 °C; deviations above 30 °C accelerate development but increase mortality. Relative humidity should be maintained at 70 %–80 % to prevent desiccation of eggs and larvae.
The substrate should consist of a 1:1 mixture of sterilized loam and finely sifted organic compost. Prior to use, the medium must be heated to 60 °C for 30 minutes to eliminate competing microorganisms. After cooling, incorporate a nitrogen-rich amendment (e.g., dried blood meal) at 5 % by weight to provide protein for developing larvae.
Inoculation procedure:
- Disperse Cifox spores uniformly across the surface of the prepared substrate.
- Cover the inoculated area with a thin (2–3 mm) layer of moist peat to retain moisture.
- Seal the container with breathable but protective film to allow gas exchange while preventing contamination.
Maintenance involves daily monitoring of moisture content; add sterile water droplets to maintain the target humidity. Replace the peat layer every 48 hours to prevent fungal overgrowth. Conduct weekly inspections for abnormal odor or discoloration, indicating microbial imbalance.
Harvesting begins when ground flea nymphs reach the pre‑adult stage, typically 10–12 days after inoculation. Use a gentle mechanical sieve (mesh size 0.5 mm) to separate fleas from the substrate. Rinse collected insects with a dilute saline solution (0.9 % NaCl) to remove residual debris.
Post‑harvest storage requires a cool, dark environment at 4 °C with 60 % humidity. Place fleas in perforated containers to maintain airflow and prevent condensation. Under these conditions, vitality is preserved for up to four weeks.
Regular sanitation of cultivation vessels, strict adherence to temperature and humidity parameters, and systematic substrate renewal are essential to achieve consistent yields and high-quality ground flea populations.