Life-history traits of black soldier fly reared on agro-industrial by-products subjected to three pre-treatments: a pilot-scale study

Abstract

Agrarian production generates approximately 190 million tons of agro-industrial by-products (AIBP) per year that are often disposed of without proper treatment, causing health hazards and environmental pollution. The black soldier fly (BSF; Hermetia illucens) has gained popularity as an organic waste recycler owing to its suitability for large-scale insect farming. Despite their valuable components, AIBPs are rich in fibres with low digestibility and provide a breeding ground for potentially pathogenic microbes, which necessitates proper caretaking. This study focuses on a pilot-scale life-cycle analysis of BSF, comparing three different pre-treatments for agro-industrial wastes. We assessed the effect of the pre-treatments on larval and pupal biomass yield and development time of life stages, pupal and adult body properties, adult emergence and sex ratio, and oviposition and fertilization rates. A mix of residues from pasta production and wheat bran (basis substrate, BS; control treatment) was pre-treated using a chemical (with 0.15% potassium sorbate, BSSORB), an organic (with 10% biochar, BSCHAR), and a microbiological (with a 10-day lactic acid fermentation, BSFERM) approach. We report that the BSSORB treatment had the significantly highest larval and pupal biomass yield as well the significantly largest pupae and adults, and the most successful adult emergence but had low oviposition success. BS and BSFERM were similar in terms of larval and pupal biomass yield, BSF development time, pupal and adult body properties, adult emergence, and oviposition. Nonetheless, BSFERM had the highest share of unfertilized eggs. With BSCHAR, BSF developed faster. This study indicates that all treatments have advantages and disadvantages and that thus their application should be selected based on breeding strategy. By analysing and adapting methods that facilitate the conversion of AIBPs to BSF biomass, the treatment of agricultural wastes and by-products can be made more efficient and sustainable.

A comparative study of effects of biodegradable and non-biodegradable microplastics on the growth and development of black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens).

“…Therefore, in order to broaden the understanding of the effects of various MPs on BSFL growth, a comparative investigation encompassing multiple types of MPs and the same basic substrate should be conducted. It is also worth mentioning that a fast development time in correlation with smaller larvae can be an indicator of stress, for example, due to insu cient nutrient availability [24,25]. Our results indicate that MPs did not cause a stress reaction during larval development, quite to the contrary: although not statistically signi cant, MPs seemed to have a slightly positive effect on larval biomass and development.…”

Frass fertilizers from mass-reared insects: species variation, heat treatment effects, and implications for soil application

“…On average it takes approx. 20 days for BSF larvae (Heussler et al, 2022), 67 days for YMW larvae (Rumbos et al, 2021), or 60 days for JFC (Kulma et al, 2022) to reach a harvest-ready stage. Consequently, their rapid growth and constant supply of fresh feed leaves limited time for microbes and insects to effectively modify the accumulated frass, resulting in a comparatively immature compost (Beesigamukama et al, 2022).…”

Industrialization of the use of mealworm and black soldier fly in urban waste management utilizing probiotics.

“…After birth, the cockroaches change colour and become black. At this time, they begin to mate and lay eggs, the egg hatches and the larva comes out, and this cycle is constantly repeated in the cockroach breeding farm [1,2 ].…”

“…BSF and YM are bred in special containers containing wheat bran, barley and other nutrients and minerals such as the peel of various fruits and vegetables with high nutritional value. In addition to bird and sh food, YMs are also used as food for reptiles such as lizards, turtles, amphibians, rodents, ornamental and breeding birds, farmed and aquarium sh and small mammals [2,3].…”