Insects are mass-reared for release for biocontrol including the sterile insect technique. Insects are usually reared at temperatures that maximize the number of animals produced, are chilled for handling and transport, and released into the field, where temperatures may be considerably different to those experienced previously. Insect thermal biology is phenotypically plastic (i.e. flexible), which means that there may exist opportunities to increase the performance of these programmes by modifying the temperature regimes during rearing, handling, and release. Here we synthesize the literature on thermal plasticity in relation to the opportunities to reduce temperature-related damage and increase the performance of released insects. We summarize how and why temperature affects insect biology, and the types of plasticity shown by insects. We specifically identify aspects of the production chain that might lead to mismatches between the thermal acclimation of the insect and the temperatures it is exposed to, and identify ways to harness physiological plasticity to reduce that potential mismatch. We address some of the practical (especially engineering) challenges to implementing some of the best-supported thermal regimes to maximize performance (e.g. fluctuating thermal regimes), and acknowledge that a focus only on thermal performance may lead to unwanted trade-offs with other traits that contribute to the success of the programme. Together, it appears that thermal physiological plasticity is well-enough understood to allow its implementation in release programmes.

Houndstongue is a troublesome weed of pasture, rangeland, and open forest in British Columbia, Canada. Recently, a root-feeding weevil was released in Canada that successfully controls houndstongue patches, but it has been difficult to propagate this weevil in sufficient numbers for widespread release. The goal of the current study was to develop methods for growing houndstongue as a crop in a farm-field setting for weevil propagation. Field experiments were conducted to determine optimum seeding dates, depths, and rates for houndstongue. The effects of straw-residue cover and nitrogen-application rates were also examined. More than 90% of the seed used was viable, and about 50% of the planted seed emerged. The most consistent plant densities occurred when houndstongue was seeded in October and had a winter and early spring moist chilling period to break seed dormancy. For fall seeded houndstongue, plants emerged equally well from 2- and 5-cm depths. Houndstongue is moderately responsive to nitrogen fertilizer but usually did not benefit from additional straw cover on the soil before emergence. Houndstongue plants also survived in drought conditions. In conclusion, this weed can be consistently grown as a crop for the propagation of a root-feeding weevil for houndstongue control.

The development of Helicoverpa (= Heliothis) armigera (Hb.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on foliage, squares and bolls of four cotton cultivare [G 27, HD 167 (Gossypium arboreum), H 777 and H 974 (G. hirsutum)] and one hybrid (HHH 81) was studied under controlled conditions. The results indicated that some biological parameters were influenced only by plant parts and not by cultivar/hybrid. The larvae died as first instars when reared on the foliage of cv. G 27 and HD 167. Irrespective of cultivar, the larvae and pupae weighed more when the larvae were reared on cotton bolls than on squares and foliage. The larval and pupal periods were shortest for larvae reared on bolls, followed by squares and foliage. The fecundity of the female was highest when the insect was reared on bolls, followed by foliage and squares. The longevity of the female moth was highest in insects reared on bolls, followed by insects reared on squares, and on foliage. The longevity of the male moth was not influenced by rearing on the different plant parts. The duration of the life cycle was shortest for insects reared on bolls, followed by squares and foliage.

Based on a semi-synthetic diet, a standard rearing method for the cotton bollworm, Hetiothis armigera Hübner, is described. The diet is composed of chickpea (Cicer arietinum) flour, yeast powder, sucrose, ascorbic acid, cholesterol, choiine chloride, wheat germ oil, vitamin mixture and a combination of preservatives. A plastic container for individual rearing of the cannibalistic larvae and a cage for mating of adult moths are described. After inoculation with the neonate larvae, development of the different stages was synchronouson this diet. The larval and pupal development period was 14.3 ± 1.2 and 11.7 ± 0.82 days, respectively. Females reared on this diet produced an average of 2000 eggs. Adult longevity was 22 days. The female moths retained their oviposition rhythm even after 3 years of laboratory rearing. A method for introduction of wild populations into the laboratory culture is discussed. The reliability of the technique was checked by monitoring the insects' performance for at least 25 generations.

Insect rearing and its management is a prerequisite in developing IPM packages for various food crops. Insects reared for the development of these packages should be regularly monitored for quality in order to ensure success. This paper describes various methods of rearing followed at the ICIPE in the process of IPM development. The rearing of Chilo partellus is described as an example of large-scale rearing. Steps in the experimental rearing of Busseola fusca are outlined. The rearing of an egg parasitoid, Trichogramma mwanzai is described as a vital technology in the IPM of maize and sorghum. The value of quality control is emphasized using the rearing of the phytoseiid mite, Neoseiulus teke as an example.