How to cultivate Medilis for bedbugs? - briefly
Cultivate Medilis in a warm, humid chamber on a nutrient‑rich substrate such as oats mixed with yeast, maintaining temperature around 28 °C and humidity near 80 %. Introduce a managed bedbug colony for feeding, monitoring population density and replacing substrate weekly to sustain growth.
How to cultivate Medilis for bedbugs? - in detail
Cultivating Medilis to support bedbug management requires a controlled environment, precise propagation techniques, and consistent care.
Begin with seed selection. Choose certified, disease‑free Medilis seeds. Store them in a cool, dry place until planting.
Prepare the growing medium. Use a well‑draining substrate composed of equal parts peat moss, perlite, and coarse sand. Adjust pH to 6.0–6.5 with lime if necessary. Fill trays or pots with the mix, leaving a 2‑cm margin at the top.
Sow seeds at a depth of 0.5 cm, spacing them 5 cm apart. Cover lightly with substrate, then moisten using a fine mist. Cover trays with transparent lids to maintain humidity (≈80 %). Place them in a growth chamber set to 22–24 °C and a 16‑hour photoperiod. After germination (3–5 days), remove covers and increase airflow.
Transplant seedlings when true leaves appear, spacing plants 20 cm apart in larger containers or raised beds. Maintain soil moisture at 60 % field capacity; water with a drip system to avoid waterlogging. Apply a balanced fertilizer (N‑P‑K = 10‑10‑10) at 50 mg L⁻¹ every two weeks.
Monitor environmental parameters. Keep temperature between 20 °C and 26 °C; avoid fluctuations above 30 °C, which reduce leaf quality. Provide 14‑hour light exposure using full‑spectrum LEDs, delivering 200 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹ at canopy level.
Prune lower foliage weekly to improve air circulation and reduce fungal risk. Inspect plants for pests; treat infestations with neem oil or insecticidal soap, adhering to label rates.
Harvest mature leaves when they reach 8–10 cm in length, typically 45–60 days after transplanting. Cut stems 2 cm above the soil line, rinse, and dry at 30 °C for 24 hours. Store dried material in airtight containers away from light.
For application against bedbugs, grind dried leaves into a fine powder. Disperse 0.5 g per square meter in infested areas, focusing on cracks, crevices, and baseboards. Reapply every two weeks, or after thorough cleaning, to maintain efficacy.
Record all observations: germination rates, growth metrics, and pest control outcomes. Use data to refine planting density, nutrient schedules, and application timing for optimal results.