CHICKEN MEAT

Development of a Mycopesticide for control of lesser mealworm in meat chicken sheds

  • 4 pages

  • Published: 27 Nov 2020

  • Author(s): Dr Diana Leemon

  • ISBN: 978-1-76053-107-2

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Lesser mealworm (Alphitobius diaperinus), also known as darkling or litter beetle, is a significant insect-pest of the poultry industry in Australia and overseas due to its ability to carry avian and food borne pathogens and damage the structures of broiler houses through tunnelling. Current control measures for lesser mealworm are chemical-based and though somewhat effective, they produce residues and are subject to the inevitable development of insecticide resistance. This research works to develop a proof of concept for mycopesticide control of lesser mealworm populations in chicken meat broiler houses.