How to cultivate fufanon for bed bugs? - briefly
Cultivate fufanon in a controlled chamber kept at 25‑28 °C with 70‑80 % relative humidity, using a moist organic substrate such as cornmeal or rice flour to encourage mycelial growth. After 5‑7 days, collect the mature spores and disperse them directly onto bed‑bug habitats for biological control.
How to cultivate fufanon for bed bugs? - in detail
The cultivation of fufanon intended for Cimex lectularius requires precise environmental control and systematic procedures.
A suitable substrate consists of sterilized organic matter with a carbon‑to‑nitrogen ratio of approximately 30 : 1. Mix shredded wheat straw, peat moss, and fine sand in equal parts, then autoclave at 121 °C for 30 minutes. After cooling, inoculate the substrate with a pure culture of fufanon spores at a concentration of 1 × 10⁶ spores per gram.
Maintain temperature between 25 °C and 28 °C. Use a thermostatically regulated incubator to prevent fluctuations beyond ±1 °C. Relative humidity should be sustained at 70 %–80 %; a humidifier with a hygrometer feedback loop ensures consistency.
Light exposure is minimal. Provide a 12‑hour dark cycle with low‑intensity red light for observation only. Excess illumination inhibits mycelial growth and reduces spore viability.
Aeration is achieved by placing the substrate in perforated trays, allowing an airflow rate of 0.5 L min⁻¹ per tray. Replace the air filter weekly to avoid contamination.
Harvesting occurs when the colony reaches full colonization, typically after 10–14 days. Separate the mycelial mat from the substrate using a sterile sieve. Rinse the mat with distilled water, then dry at 40 °C for 4 hours to obtain a stable product.
Storage of the dried material requires airtight containers kept at 4 °C. Protect from light and moisture to preserve potency.
Safety considerations:
- Conduct all steps within a certified biosafety cabinet.
- Wear disposable gloves, lab coat, and face shield.
- Decontaminate work surfaces with 10 % bleach solution after each session.
- Dispose of waste according to hazardous biological material protocols.
The final product can be introduced into infested environments by dispersing measured quantities (approximately 5 g per 10 m²) using a calibrated spreader. Observe for a reduction in bed‑bug activity within 48 hours, indicating effective deployment.