The effect of application of compost and frass from Black Soldier Fly Larvae (Hermetia illucens L.) on growth of Pakchoi (Brassica rapa L.)

Abstract

Pot experiment was conducted to observe the effect of frass (insect feces) from Black Soldier Fly larvae (BSFL) as soil amendments at different application rates in comparation with other organic fertilizers on Pakchoi (Brassica rapa L). The experimental design was completely random with seven treatments, namely compost, compost+LOB (liquid organic biofertilizer), 5%, 10%, and 15% BSF frass, chemical fertilizer (NPK, equivalent to 10 kg/ha), and soil as a control. After 35 days planting, the result showed that Pakchoi cultivated with compost+LOB, compost, and BSF frass produced the highest biomass compared to control and NPK treatment significantly. The highest total plant weight was achieved in the treatment of Compost+LOB (24.4 gr), followed by 10% BSF frass (23.3 gr), compost (21.8 gr), 15% BSF frass (20.7 gr), 5% BSF frass (19,8 gr), NPK (1.3 gr ) and control soil (0.9 gr). While the chlorophyll content was not significantly different between all treatments, the application of BSF frass tended to be higher but with curly leaf symptoms than other treatments. The population of P solubilizing bacteria and the activity of PME-ase enzyme in soil were also higher in the treatment of compost, compost+LOB, and BSF frass compared to control and NPK treatment.