How to rear the spider mite Actellic? - briefly
Keep the culture at 20‑25 °C, 60 % relative humidity, in a well‑ventilated container with fresh bean leaves refreshed every 3–4 days; harvest mites once the leaf surface is densely populated. Clean the container regularly to prevent mold and maintain optimal growth conditions.
How to rear the spider mite Actellic? - in detail
Successful cultivation of the Actellic strain of spider mite requires controlled temperature, humidity, light, and a suitable host plant. Begin with a healthy starter colony sourced from a reputable laboratory. Transfer several dozen adult females onto a leaf of a plant known to support rapid development, such as bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) or tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). Seal the leaf in a ventilated plastic cage to prevent escape while maintaining micro‑climate stability.
Environmental parameters
- Temperature: 24 ± 2 °C
- Relative humidity: 60–70 %
- Photoperiod: 16 h light / 8 h dark, light intensity 300–500 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹
Maintain these conditions with a thermostatically controlled incubator or climate chamber. Monitor humidity with a hygrometer; adjust with a humidifier or desiccant as needed.
Host plant care
- Provide fresh leaves every 3–4 days; replace wilted material promptly.
- Water plants to keep foliage turgid but avoid waterlogging the substrate.
- Apply a balanced nutrient solution weekly to sustain leaf quality.
Colony expansion
- After 5–7 days, eggs hatch and larvae progress through three instars.
- At the adult stage (≈ 7 days post‑hatch), transfer a subset of females to new leaf cages to initiate parallel sub‑colonies.
- Keep a ratio of 1 female to 5 cm² leaf area to prevent overcrowding and reduce cannibalism.
Population management
- Inspect cages daily for signs of mold or predator intrusion; remove affected material immediately.
- Conduct weekly counts of adult females to track growth rate; adjust cage density if reproduction exceeds 30 eggs per female per day.
Harvesting
- When a target population size is reached, collect mites by gently brushing leaves over a white tray.
- Separate adults from eggs using a fine mesh sieve; store adults in a refrigerated container (4 °C) for short‑term use, or freeze at –20 °C for long‑term preservation.
Troubleshooting
- Low fecundity: verify temperature and humidity are within specified ranges; check for leaf nutrient deficiency.
- High mortality: examine for pesticide residues, fungal growth, or predator presence. Replace contaminated leaves immediately.
- Stunted development: ensure adequate air exchange; excessive CO₂ can impede growth.
Following these protocols yields a robust, reproducible culture of the Actellic spider mite suitable for research, biological control trials, or product testing. Continuous observation and adjustment of environmental factors are essential to maintain colony vigor.