Evaluating the dynamics of anti-fungal compounds in Lepidoptera larvae

Insect rearing is the basis of research and insect management programs. A major problem in insect rearing is the appearance of mold, which destroys the insects’ food and sometimes attacks the insects. Potassium sorbate, methyl paraben and sodium propionate are three kinds of most widely used anti-fungal agents, but we still do not understand their direct effects on insects. Previous research points out that when there are higher anti-fungal concentrations in the diet, less insect growth and frass are observed. My hypothesis is that high concentrations of anti-fungal agents reduce feeding rate, digestive efficiency, absorption rate or metabolic efficiency. Metabolic indices (AD, ECI & ECD) reflect the way food influences insects. My work is to use metabolic indices to determine specifically how different levels of potassium sorbate, methyl paraben and sodium propionate affect Vanessa cardui larvae.