Poster Display
Plant-Insect Ecosystems
Annette Lizette Diaz
Biological Science Laboratory Technician
USDA-APHIS
Mission, Texas
Don Vacek
USDA-APHIS
Edinburg, Texas
frank Dirrigl
Professor
University of Texas
Edinburg, Texas
Lab-reared colonies of Mexican fruit flies (Anastrepha ludens) play a crucial role in the eradication of wild outbreaks and safeguarding the citrus industry through the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) program. Previous studies have shown a correlation between synthetic egging material damage and increased microbial growth on the outer egg panel surface of adult rearing cages, despite routine sanitation procedures. The repeated oviposition of female flies degraded the synthetic egging material and fecal accumulation on the inner panel surface could only be addressed every six weeks during cage termination. This study aimed to track the microbial growth dynamics on individual egg panels throughout their lifespan within adult rearing cages. The progression of egging material damage and its impact on microbial colonization was assessed over a four-to-six-month period. The results suggested that prolonged use of egg panel material resulted in increased microbial growth and biofilm development. These findings highlighted the importance of implementing effective sanitation protocols to mitigate pathogenic risks during the colony rearing process, contributed valuable insights into the management of microbial challenges within SIT program facilities, and aided in the optimization of Mexican fruit fly rearing practices.