Almond by-product composition impacts the rearing of black soldier fly larvae and quality of the spent substrate as a soil amendment.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Insect biomass is a sustainable alternative to traditional animal feeds, particularly when insects are produced on low-value high-volume agricultural by-products. Seven samples of almond by-product (hulls and shells) were obtained from processors in California and investigated for larvae production. Experiments were completed with and without larvae and spent substrate samples were assessed for their potential as soil amendments based on standard compost quality indicators.

Results

On average, specific larvae growth and average larval harvest weight were 158% and 109% higher, respectively, when larvae were reared on Monterey and pollinator hulls compared to nonpareil hulls and mixed shells. Larvae methionine and cystine contents were highest when larvae were reare

SUBMITTER: Palma L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7496255 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature