In biochemical studies of resistance of plants to insects knowledge of the nutritional needs of the insect is required. Some methods that have been developed or were adapted from studies with large animals are displayed.

Larvae of the pale western cutworm, Agrotis orthogonia Morr., have been reared on diets prepared from wheat sprouts that have been lyophilized and ground to a fine meal. Diets may be prepared by adding water (two parts) to the meal (one part), packaging in aluminum foil, and storing in the frozen state. By lyophilization, other plant tissues have also been preserved successfully for periods up to one year. The lyophilized tissue provides a uniform dietary medium that can be readily extracted or supplemented in nutritional studies.