Factors affecting the bioconversion of Philippine tung seed by black soldier fly larvae for the production of protein and oil-rich biomass

Abstract

Abstract A systematic study on the use of Philippine tung (Reutealis trisperma) seed as a substrate for the cultivation of black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens) was performed. The characteristics of Reutealis trisperma seed from two different locations: West Java and Papua, were determined. The seed has a relatively high oil (37.6–39.2%, dry weight) and protein content (14.9–28.2%, dry weight). The effect of cake content in the substrate (0–20%, wet weight), moisture content in the substrate (50–70%, wet weight), feeding rate (50–100 mg/larva/d), lighting condition (dark-light) and substrate depth in a rearing container (4–10 cm) was performed. An optimum prepupal biomass productivity of 123.4 g/m2/d was obtained (20%, wet weight of cake content in the substrate, 60%, wet weight of moisture content in the substrate, 100 mg/larva/d, dark, 6 cm substrate depth). The protein and oil content of the biomass were also determined to evaluate the effect of Reutealis trisperma seed as a substrate for the cultivation of black soldier fly larvae to produce protein and oil-rich biomass. The oil content in the biomass was also extracted and the fatty acid composition was identified. The prepupal biomass has a relatively high amount of protein (45%, dry weight) and oil content (26.6%, dry weight) and is suitable for cattle feed application.