Research and industrialisation ofHermetia illucens L. in China

Abstract

The larvae of the black soldier fly (BSF), Hermetia illucens L., are commonly associated with decaying organic wastes. Over the past 15 years, investigators in China have conducted extensive research exploring the use of BSF larvae to recycle organic materials as a means to protect the environment, while producing products of value, such as protein and bioenergy. Initial efforts were based on a BSF strain from the USA. However, since then, H. illucens strains from specimens collected in Hubei and Guangdong Provinces have been established and used as models to explore the use of this species in sustainable agriculture. China has played an instrumental role in developing an in-door breeding method using a quartz-iodine lamp rather than depend on natural sunlight. This discovery has allowed the establishment of in-door BSF colonies in regions throughout the world where abiotic conditions (i.e. cold temperatures) are preventative. Researchers in China paved the way for using microbes as a means to enhance BSF production including, enhancing BSF egg-laying as well as waste reduction. Furthermore, bacteria from BSF gut or waste can be cultured and used to promote BSF growth, shorten conversion time, and enhanced conversion efficacy. Recent efforts have demonstrated BSF larvae can degrade antibiotics as well as suppress noxious odours in livestock manure. Due to the efforts of research on BSF in China, numerous companies that recycle organic waste at a large scale (>20 tonnes waste digested/day), have been established. Resulting products include insect powder, and live BSFL that can be used as animal feed ingredients for livestock (e.g. eels and frogs), while protecting the environment. Future work will decipher the mechanisms regulating BSF larval conversion of organic waste so that the system can be optimised. However, efforts are still needed at the government level to establish quality assurance standards if this process is truly to become established as an industry in China.

Insects as food and feed, a new emerging agricultural sector: a review

“…This of course fits well in the policy of a circular economy now adopted as a sustainable development strategy in European and Chinese policy making (Ranta et al, 2018). Biodegradation can be the purpose, such as in China where manure and catering waste are targeted (Zhang et al, 2020). However, bioconversion or biotransformation are more often envisioned.…”

Food Waste Management Employing UV-Induced Black Soldier Flies: Metabolomic Analysis of Bioactive Components, Antioxidant Properties, and Antibacterial Potential

“…After UV induction, the increase in organic acids indicates that BSF can digest cellulose from food waste. Zhan et al reported the BSF genome had experienced considerable development in functional modules that improved BSF’s adaptation to adverse environments, including immune system elements [ 25 ]. The immune system of BSF could be adapted to alleviate pathogens.…”

PENGARUH RASIO UMPAN, VARIASI JENIS SAMPAH ORGANIK, DAN KUALITAS KOMPOS HASIL BIOKONVERSI MENGGUNAKAN LARVA BLACK SOLDIER FLY (Hermetia Illucens)

“…Hal ini dikarenakan residu hasil biokonversi larva BSF belum melalui proses pengomposan yang sempurna sebelum dilakukan analisis uji kandungan. Berdasarkan prosedur perusahaan, sebelum residu hasil konversi digunakan harus melalui tahap didiamkan selama beberapa hari karena residu biokonversi belum stabil (Liu et al, 2019;Zhang et al, 2020).…”