The Insect Diet and Rearing Research, LLC, engages in a continuing program of research, which enhances the instructional staff’s knowledge of real world practical issues as well as keeping us on the cutting edge of academics/research.
RESEARCH ON DIET DEVELOPMENT AND ESTABLISHING NEW AND IMPROVED REARING SYSTEMS
Development of artificial diets and rearing systems for many species of insects has been our specialty.
We use a variety of techniques to help us develop appropriate diets, including analysis of the natural foods, feeding biology of the target insects, bioassays, biological/biochemical testing, and analysis of internal biology (structures and functions such as those shown below:
 Here are cactus moth larvae (Cactoblastis cactorum: Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) developing on one of our newest artificial diets developed for USDA, APHIS and Florida Department of Plant Industry. |
 The above electron microscope image shows the peritrophic matrix (PM) of a tobacco budworm fed plant parts from its natural diet: note the multiple layers formed in response to a natural food. |
 Gut contents and peritrophic matrix of a honey bee. We use digestive system structure and function to help develop new diets and to assess how well your insects are responding to diets. |
 PM of a tobacco budworm fed artificial diet. Note the simple, single layer of PM produced in response to an easy to digest diet. Which PM reflects the healthiest insect? |
SOME CURRENT IDRR RESEARCH PROJECTS:
INVASIVE WEED CONTROL
- USDA-ARS: Diet development for weed-eating insects for biological control of invasive weeds (Arundo donax).
- USDA Forest Service: Mile-a-Minute control.
HEMLOCK PROTECTION
- NC State University: We are funded to develop artificial diets and rearing systems for hemlock woolly adelgids and balsam woolly adelgids.
- USDA Forest Service: Development of artificial diets and rearing systems for predators of hemlock woolly adelgids.
- USDA SBIR CSREES, 2008: grant to mass-rear predators for augmentative biological control of Balsam Woolly Adelgids in Fraser Fir (Christmas tree) plantations in North Carolina.
PRICKLY PEAR CACTUS PROTECTION AND CONSERVATION
- USDA, APHIS: Project to develop an artificial diet and rearing system for sterile insect techniques for control of cactus moths.
HONEYBEE HEALTH
- Honeybee diet patent pending
VARIOUS PROPRIETARY PROJECTS WITH PRIVATE COMPANIES
We are dedicated to promoting the use and understanding of the scientific method to advance insect diet and rearing science and technology.