An Artificial Diet for the Boll Weevil, Anthonomus grandis (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), Based on the Analysis of Amino Acids in Cotton Squares12

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Abstract
Diets suitable for larvae and adults of the boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis Boheman, were formulated from cotton flower bud protein and free amino acids in combination with other standard nutrients. Analyses of anthers of young flower buds determined the quantities of protein and free amino acids to be included. Preliminary results indicated that the diet could be used to study the lipid requirements of the weevil. Naturally occurring lipids were effectively removed from the finely divided flower bud protein by Soxhlet extraction for 12 days. Pure fats and sterols were then added back to the diet to replace those removed. A uniform dispersal of lipids in the diet was accomplished by adding an ethyl ether solution of lipids to the dried protein. The ether was allowed to evaporate, and the lipid-coated protein was then mixed with the other diet ingredients. Larvae reared from this diet were larger than those reared from other less refined diets. Adults laid almost as many eggs in artificial diet as they did in fresh cotton flower buds.