Development of western spruce budworm on Douglas-fir callus tissue.

Abstract

The success of feeding and development of western spruce budworm (Choristoneura occidentalis Freeman) on callus tissue of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) was determined. Fewer insects died when fed pure callus tissue than when fed on standard diet or callus incorporated into the standard diet. The final weight of insects fed callus was less, however, than that of insects fed the standard diet. This demonstrates that either pure callus or callus incorporated in a standard artificial diet can be used to rear budworm. This technique has potential as a bioassay system to determine host susceptibility or resistance to insects.

Citation

Beckwith, Roy C.; Goldfarb, Barry. 1991. Development of western spruce budworm on Douglas-fir callus tissue. Res. Note. PNW-RN-504. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station. 8 p