Insect Production Services
- Facilitating research on insect outbreaks and protection tools
- Insectarium
- Quality control
- Methods development
- Quarantine
- Products and database
Methods development
The Insect Production Services (IPS) Methods Development Research program supports both the insectarium and the quality control program.
New insect colonies and mass production methods are developed in a rearing facility that is isolated from the insectarium. This isolation ensures that the quality or health of existing colonies is not compromised as IPS is developing new methods or introducing new species and screening them for the presence of pathogens.
Techniques for detecting insect pathogens are developed or modified in the quality control facility, which is also isolated from the insectarium to ensure the integrity of the insect colonies.
Contract research services
The IPS methods development facility is also where the IPS team performs contract research services for clients.
IPS personnel have vast experience in rearing insect species. IPS can also draw on the expertise of numerous forest insect researchers from within the Great Lakes Forestry Centre research complex.
IPS can provide the following services on contract:
- establishing new insect colonies
- developing specialized rearing methods
- maintaining unique colonies to support individual needs
- rearing quarantined insect pests.
For more information on IPS contract services, please contact Peter Ebling.