Insect frass and exuviae to promote plant growth and health

Barragán-Fonseca, Katherine Y.; Nurfikari, Azkia; Zande, Els M. van de; Wantulla, Max; Loon, J.J.A. van; Boer, Wietse de; Dicke, Marcel

doi:10.1016/j.tplants.2022.01.007

Cited by 83 publications

(78 citation statements)

References 60 publications

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“…ASVs linked to the fungal species Cephaliophora tropica and Mucor circinelloides or the bacterial genus Bacillus . As mentioned, Bacillus has been identified in BSFL residues ( Gold et al, 2020b ) and insect residues in general and was linked to their positive effects on crops ( Barragán-Fonseca et al, 2022 ). Notably, also members of the beforementioned genus Trichosporon, that dominated BSFL residues, were only highly abundant in BR+ amended soil.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Since BSFL reproduce more efficiently in tropical regions, the technology offers an opportunity for innovation, particularly in low-income countries ( Barragan-Fonseca et al, 2017 ). In addition to the sustainability potential of the larva, the extensively accruing residues from insect rearing, i.e., excreta, undigested substrates and shed exoskeletons, bear the chance of returning versatile services to the agri-food chain via their provision of nutrients, bioactive molecules, and potentially beneficial microbes when amended to the soil–plant system ( Poveda, 2021 ; Barragán-Fonseca et al, 2022 ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Recently, Barragán-Fonseca et al (2022) urged the clarification of the impact of insect residues on plant growth promoting rhizobacteria, crop growth and of potential underlying mechanisms. Several authors studying the application of insect residues in agricultural contexts suggest an indirect effect on the crop through an impact on the soil microbiome ( Setti et al, 2019 ; Schmitt and de Vries, 2020 ; Beesigamukama et al, 2020a ; Torgerson et al, 2021 ; Gebremikael et al, 2022 ; Tanga et al, 2022 ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Residues from black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae rearing influence the plant-associated soil microbiome in the short term

et al. 2022

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The larvae of the black soldier fly (BSFL, Hermetia illucens) efficiently close resource cycles. Next to the nutrient-rich insect biomass used as animal feed, the residues from the process are promising plant fertilizers. Besides a high nutrient content, the residues contain a diverse microbial community and application to soil can potentially promote soil fertility and agricultural production through the introduction of beneficial microbes. This research assessed the application of the residues on plant-associated bacterial and fungal communities in the rhizosphere of a grass-clover mix in a 42-day greenhouse pot study. Potted soil was amended with BSFL residues (BR+) or conventional compost (CC+) produced by Rwandan waste management companies in parallel to residues and compost sterilized (BR-, CC-) by high-energy electron beam (HEEB) as abiotic controls. The fertilizers were applied at a rate of 150 kg N ha−1. Soil bacterial and fungal communities in both fertilizer and soil were assessed by high-throughput sequencing of ribosomal markers at different times after fertilizer application. Additionally, indicators for soil fertility such as basal respiration, plant yield and soil physicochemical properties were analyzed. Results showed that the application of BSFL residues influenced the soil microbial communities, and especially fungi, stronger than CC fertilizers. These effects on the microbial community structure could partly be attributed to a potential introduction of microbes to the soil by BSFL residues (e.g., members of genus Bacillus) since untreated and sterilized BSFL residues promoted different microbial communities. With respect to the abiotic effects, we emphasize a potential driving role of particular classes of organic matter like fiber and chitin. Indeed, especially taxa associated with decomposition of organic matter (e.g., members of the fungal genus Mortierella) were promoted by the application of BSFL residues. Soil fertility with respect to plant yield (+17% increase compared to unamended control) and basal respiration (+16% increase compared to unamended control) tended to be improved with the addition of BSFL residues. Findings underline the versatile opportunities for soil fertility arising from the application of BSFL residues in plant production and point to further research on quantification of the described effects.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Residues from black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae rearing influence the plant-associated soil microbiome in the short term

et al. 2022

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“…Chitin and chitosan recovered from the pupal shells of the black soldier fly and used as soil amendment show an ability to control bacterial wilt of tomato caused by Ralstonia solanacearum (Kemboi et al 2022). Barrágan-Fonseca et al (2022) found that residual streams from insect farming, such as frass and exuviae (containing chitin and other compounds), stimulate beneficial soil microbes that induce systemic plant resistance.…”

Section: Nutrition and Healthmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Barrágan‐Fonseca et al . (2022) found that residual streams from insect farming, such as frass and exuviae (containing chitin and other compounds), stimulate beneficial soil microbes that induce systemic plant resistance.…”

Section: Nutrition and Healthmentioning

confidence: 99%

Edible insects: Challenges and prospects

Huis

2022

Entomological Research

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An overview is given on recent developments in insects as food and food by reviewing the literature which has appeared during the last few years on edible insects. An outlook to the future is provided. About a decade ago, the attention shifted from harvesting insects in the tropics to farming insects all over the world for food and feed applications. Most production is targeted towards pet food, but it will turn to aquafeed in the next two decades. More than 80% of all publications dealing with edible insects appeared during the last five years. Crickets and mealworms are used for human food while the black soldier fly is the main species used as animal feed. The criteria to choose insect species are automation, cheap substrates, disease avoidance, and market potential. Genetics are increasingly explored to improve production. The environmental impact of producing insects compares well to other alternative proteins, in particular their capacity to degrade organic waste streams. Edible insects are not only a good source of nutrients but also seem to provide health benefits not only for humans and animals, but also for plants (left over substrate). The challenge of convincing Western consumers is reviewed and whether sustainability is an issue. Processing techniques are being developed. The sector of insects as food and feed is developing fast thanks to an increasingly conducive legislative framework. It will progress further, provided that the insect industry, academia, governmental organizations, and public society closely cooperate.

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