Diseases of black soldier flies Hermetia illucens L. a future challenge for production?

Abstract

Pathogens are a challenge for all biological production systems. For producers of insects for food and feed, they can result in extensive production and economic losses. Black soldier flies (BSF) are considered very robust and resistant to insect diseases, however, emerging diseases may suddenly appear in the future. Insects can become infected by many types of pathogens such as bacteria, fungi, nematodes and viruses. BSF have been experimentally infected by fungal, bacterial and nematode entomopathogens in the laboratory and recent bioinformatics studies have revealed evidence of the presence of past and present viruses in BSF samples. Mitigation of emerging BSF pathogens, will require further research and development that include collaboration between scientists, laboratories specialised in insect pathology as well as with the industry.