Alternative Food Sources Research Articles

Morphology and Morphometry of the Reproductive Tract of the Cotton Boll Weevil after Prolonged Feeding on Alternative Diets.

Anthonomus grandis Boheman (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) survives on alternative diets; however, this induces reproductive diapause. The objective was to evaluate the morphology and morphometry of the reproductive tract of this weevil after feeding on alternative diets. The experimental design was completely randomized with 160 replications and treatments arranged in a factorial design 3 × 3, represented by A. grandis adults fed on 3 food types (fragments of banana (T1) or orange (T2) endocarp, or with cotton squares of cultivar BRS 286 (T3, control)) and three evaluation periods (30, 60, and 90 days) and after each of these periods they were fed with cotton squares for 10 days. The reproductive tract of 100% of A. grandis females fed banana endocarp, orange endocarp, and cotton squares for 30 and 60 days and then cotton squares were morphologically adequate for reproduction, and after 90 days, only 50% of those fed cotton squares were in this condition. The length of the ovarioles and the width of the mature oocyte were greater for A. grandis fed on cotton squares and smaller in those with banana and orange endocarps. Histological sections reveal that male testes even with strong degenerative signals are already producing spermatozoa. On the other hand, females displayed ovaries with nurse cells in the tropharium and some maturing oocytes in the vitellarium. The body length was longer and the testis area and diameter smaller in males fed on cotton squares than in those with banana and orange endocarp. Anthonomus grandis females fed for ≥90 days with alternative food sources do not recover the functionality of their reproductive tract, even after consuming, for 10 days, a diet that favors reproduction. On the other hand, the males remain with their reproductive organs functional with this condition.

Effect of Tree Species Composition and Food Selectivity on the Population Density of Sclater’s Guenon (Cercopithecus sclateri Pocock 1904) in Forest Patches of Lagwa, Aboh-Mbaise, Imo State, Nigeria

Aims: Effect of tree species composition and food selectivity on the population density of the Sclater’s guenon was carried out to determine how habitat composition and food preferences affect population density of the Sclater’s monkeys in the study area.
 Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in forest patches of Lagwa community in Aboh-Mbaise Local Government Area, Imo State (December 2019-November 2021).
 Study Design: The point centered quarter method was used to collect data on trees species, while the visual observation and line transect methods was used to collect data on food preference and population density of the monkeys.
 Methodology: The research was carried out within the wet and dry season. Faecal examination was used for collecting information on plant and fruit species consumed.
 Results: The most dominant tree species were Khaya ivorensis and Treculia africana with important value index (IVI) of 35.13 and 26.73 respectively, while Bosqueia angolensis was the least dominant species with IVI of 0.99. Tree species with diameter at breast height class of 41cm and above were absent in Eziudo, Obo and Umunekere communities. Dacryodes edulis, Elaeis guinensis, Mangifera indica and Musa balbisiana were the most consumed plant species. The mean troop sizes were 3.21±1.42 for the dry season and 2.78±1.25 for the wet season, with troop density for both seasons as 0.03±0.02.
 Conclusion: The findings presents the relationship between the Sclater’s monkey’s diet and their habitat, and how habitat changes can cause changes in the feeding pattern, type of food and meals consumed. Sensitization campaigns and provision of alternative food sources for humans can reduce disturbance of the habitat and further sustain the population of the monkeys.

Putative 14th Century Outbreak of Foodborne Chagas Disease, Mexico.

A severe epidemic erupted in Coyoacán at the southern end of Lake Texcoco, in Central Mexico, around 1330. Chroniclers of the 16th century reported that after disrupted fish supply, the inhabitants of Coyoacán had suffered high morbidity and mortality. They developed edema of their eyelids, face, and feet, and hemorrhagic diarrhea. Many died, mainly the young and the old. Pregnant women miscarried. The disease is classically considered an illness of nutritional origin. However, its clinical picture and the circumstances of its emergence are remarkably consistent with an outbreak of foodborne Chagas disease, possibly acquired upon the hunting and consumption of alternative food sources, such as infected opossums (Didelphis spp.), unique reservoirs of Trypanosoma cruzi.

Characterization of Odor-Active Compounds from Gryllus bimaculatus Using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry-Olfactometry.

Edible insects have recently attracted attention as an alternative sustainable protein food source. However, consumer aversion remains the major obstacle to successful implementation in the food industry due to their shape and unpleasant odor. Here, we evaluated and compared odor-active compounds from untreated Gryllus bimaculatus (UGB), hot-air dried GB at 70 °C for 10 h (AGB), freeze-dried GB (FGB), steam-heated GB at 121 °C and 14.5 psi for 15 min (SGB), and defatted GB by hexane (DFGB). Each sample was analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and gas chromatography-olfactometry (GC-O). The most volatile compounds were detected in UGB, followed by SGB, DFGB, AGB, and FGB by GC-MS analysis. In GC-O analysis, fourteen compounds were identified as cricket or cricket-related odor among twenty identified compounds. Cyclododecane had the strongest cricket-related odor found only in UGB. DFGB received the lowest total scores of intensity for cricket-related odors, while SGB received the highest scores. It seems that defatting could reduce cricket-related odors. This study may provide theoretical information for the GB odors according to the four processing methods.

A Multimethodological Approach for the Chemical Characterization of Edible Insects: The Case Study of Acheta domesticus.

Acheta domesticus (house cricket) has been recently introduced into the official European list of novel foods, representing an alternative and sustainable food source. Up to now, the chemical characterization of this edible insect has been focused only on specific classes of compounds. Here, three production batches of an A. domesticus powder were investigated by means of a multimethodological approach based on NMR, FT-ICR MS, and GC-MS methodologies. The applied analytical protocol, proposed for the first time in the study of an edible insect, allowed us to identify and quantify compounds not previously reported in crickets. In particular, methyl-branched hydrocarbons, previously identified in other insects, together with other compounds such as citrulline, formate, γ-terpinene, p-cymene, α-thujene, β-thujene, and 4-carene were detected. Amino acids, organic acids, and fatty acids were also identified and quantified. The improved knowledge of the chemical profile of this novel food opens new horizons both for the use of crickets as a food ingredient and for the use of extracts for the production of new formulations. In order to achieve this objective, studies regarding safety, biological activity, bioaccessibility, and bioavailability are needed as future perspectives in this field.

Influence of Chlorella supplemented diet on honey bee (Apis mellifera) colony health

Microalgae have received scientific attention for alternative food source for honey bees due to its remarkable nutritional composition, often comparable and even superior to bee pollen. Our previous study demonstrated that Chlorella sorokiana-supplement diet improved honey bee (Apis mellifera) longevity, development, and physiology in the cage. In the sequence of the previous study, we investigated the role Chlorella as a dietary supplement on honey bee at the colony level. We formulated feed with 0.5, 2, 5, and 10% Chlorella supplemented with commercial rapeseed pollen patty and assessed diet preference, quality of royal jelly, development of worker, honey bee colony strength for different diets. The results revealed that diets adding Chlorella represented positive effect in consumption, body weight of newly emerged worker, colony strength in terms of number of broods and worker, and 10-HDA of royal jelly compare to controls. Therefore, 2% Chlorella addition to pollen patty may be proposed as a feed additive for performance improvement of honey bee at colony level.

Potential of Halophytes as Sustainable Fodder Production by Using Saline Resources: A Review of Current Knowledge and Future Directions.

Good quality water and arable land are required for both domestic and agricultural uses. Increasing population leads to urbanization and industrialization increasing the need to share these resources and creating threats to the food supply. Higher meat consumption requires mitigation strategies to protect food and mitigate economic crises, especially in developing nations. The production of food crops for energy purposes and lower yield due to climate change increase food prices as well as have a negative impact on the economy. Thus, an alternative food source is required featuring high forage components to reduce grazing periods and to prevent rangeland degradation. Halophytes can tolerate high salinity and can be easily grown for fodder in coastal areas where fodder is a problem. Varied climate conditions offer opportunities to grow suitable halophytes for specific purposes. One important feature is their use as fodder. To reduce food shortages, saline areas could be used to grow nutritive and productive halophytic forage. Wild plants have undesirable metabolites produced in harsh conditions which may be harmful for ruminant health. Halophytes have moderate amounts of these metabolites which are nontoxic. Halophytes can be grown without intruding on agricultural lands and freshwater resources and could promote livestock production which may improve the socio-economic conditions of poor farmers in a sustainable and ecofriendly manner.

Edible Insects in Thailand: An Overview of Status, Properties, Processing, and Utilization in the Food Industry.

Edible insects have become increasingly popular in Thailand as a nutritious and appealing alternative food source. As the edible insect industry in the country expands rapidly, efforts are being made to transform it into an economically viable sector with substantial commercial potential. Some of the most consumed and sold edible insects in Thailand include locusts, palm weevils, silkworm pupae, bamboo caterpillars, crickets, red ants, and giant water bugs. With its strong growth, Thailand has the potential to emerge as a global leader in the production and promotion of edible insect products. Edible insects are an excellent source of protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals. In particular, crickets and grasshoppers are protein-rich, with the average protein content of edible insects ranging from 35 to 60 g/100 g of dry weight or 10 to 25 g/100 g of fresh weight. This surpasses the protein content of many plant-based sources. However, the hard exoskeleton of insects, which is high in chitin, can make them difficult to digest. In addition to their nutritional value, edible insects contain biologically active compounds that offer various health benefits. These include antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-collagenase, elastase-inhibitory, α-glucosidase-inhibitory, pancreatic lipase-inhibitory, antidiabetic/insulin-like/insulin-like peptide (ApILP), antidiabetic, anti-aging, and immune-enhancing properties. The Thai food industry can process and utilize edible insects in diverse ways, such as low-temperature processing, including refrigeration and freezing, traditional processing techniques, and incorporating insects into products, such as flour, protein, oil, and canned food. This review offers a comprehensive overview of the status, functional properties, processing, and utilization of edible insects in Thailand, and it serves as a valuable resource for those interested in edible insects and provides guidance for their application in various fields.

Application of Machine Learning Techniques to Discern Optimal Rearing Conditions for Improved Black Soldier Fly Farming.

As the world population continues to grow, there is a need to come up with alternative sources of feed and food to combat the existing challenge of food insecurity across the globe. The use of insects, particularly the black soldier fly (BSF) Hermetia illucens (L.) (Diptera: Stratiomydiae), as a source of feed stands out due to its sustainability and reliability. Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) have the ability to convert organic substrates to high-quality biomass rich in protein for animal feed. They can also produce biodiesel and bioplastic and have high biotechnological and medical potential. However, current BSFL production is low to meet the industry's needs. This study used machine learning modeling approaches to discern optimal rearing conditions for improved BSF farming. The input variables studied include the cycle time in each rearing phase (i.e., the rearing period in each phase), feed formulation type, length of the beds (i.e, rearing platforms) at each phase, amount of young larvae added in the first phase, purity score (i.e, percentage of BSFL after separating from the substrate), feed depth, and the feeding rate. The output/target variable was the mass of wet larvae harvested (kg per meter) at the end of the rearing cycle. This data was trained on supervised machine learning algorithms. From the trained models, the random forest regressor presented the best root mean squared error (RMSE) of 2.91 and an R-squared value of 80.9%, implying that the model can be used to effectively monitor and predict the expected weight of BSFL to be harvested at the end of the rearing process. The results established that the top five ranked important features that inform optimal production are the length of the beds, feed formulation used, the average number of young larvae loaded in each bed, feed depth, and cycle time. Therefore, in that priority, it is expected that tuning the mentioned parameters to fall within the required levels would result in an increased mass of BSFL harvest. These data science and machine learning techniques can be adopted to understand rearing conditions and optimize the production/farming of BSF as a source of feed for animals e.g., fish, pigs, poultry, etc. A high production of these animals guarantees more food for humans, thus reducing food insecurity.

Development Strategy and Existing Qualities of Honeybee in Beekeepers Group Badung Regency-Bali

The cultivation of local honeybees is one of the new alternative jobs for the local community in Badung Regency, Bali to survive their life during Covid-19. This research aims to identify and determine of development strategy and to evaluate the quality existing of honeybees. The total sample was used 50 respondents consisting of 22 members of beekeepers of the “Sarining Trigona Pertiwi” group, 4 samples from local government, 4 from related institution government, and 20 local people. The SWOT method is used to formulate appropriate strategies and IE matrix is to analyze the condition of the honeybee-tourism strategy. The results of the analysis showed that internal factors have a total value of 3.20, with the highest factor being strategic partners in product innovation development. External factor analysis has a total value of 2.88 with the highest factor being increasingly diverse product diversification. Based on the IE matrix, tourism in quadrant IV shows the potential development of honeybees in Badung Regency, Bali is in a position to grow and develop with the appropriate intensive and integrated strategy. Based on the SWOT matrix were obtained strategies to conduct socialization of the cultivation program, having a research program regularly, developing products based on consumer demand, collaborating with cooperatives and Banks in credit services, conducting marketing and good market expansion, making SOP in the process, manufacture and storage of products, government policies on reforestation and forest area protection, human resource training, preparing market analysis and strategies, alternative food sources for the honeybees, and increasing product development. However, the qualities of Tetragonula laevicep honeybees produced by the beekeeper of “Sarining Trigona Pertiwi” are still lower than Indonesia National Standard (SNI) therefore; need to increase the quality in the future.

Earth Worming-An Evaluation of Earthworm (Eisenia andrei) as an Alternative Food Source.

Aside from their bioremediation roles, little is known about the food and feed value of earthworms. In this study, a comprehensive evaluation of the nutritional composition (proximate analysis and profiles of fatty acids and minerals) and techno-functional properties (foaming and emulsion stability and capacity) of earthworm (Eisenia andrei, sourced in New Zealand) powder (EAP) were investigated. Lipid nutritional indices, ω6/ω3, atherogenicity index, thrombogenicity index, hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic acid ratio, and health-promoting index of EAP lipids are also reported. The protein, fat, and carbohydrate contents of EAP were found to be 53.75%, 19.30%, and 23.26% DW, respectively. The mineral profile obtained for the EAP consisted of 11 essential minerals, 23 non-essential minerals, and 4 heavy metals. The most abundant essential minerals were potassium (8220 mg·kg-1 DW), phosphorus (8220 mg·kg-1 DW), magnesium (744.7 mg·kg-1 DW), calcium (2396.7 mg·kg-1 DW), iron (244.7 mg·kg-1 DW), and manganese (25.6 mg·kg-1 DW). Toxic metals such as vanadium (0.2 mg·kg-1 DW), lead (0.2 mg·kg-1 DW), cadmium (2.2 mg·kg-1 DW), and arsenic (2.3 mg·kg-1 DW) were found in EAP, which pose safety considerations. Lauric acid (20.3% FA), myristoleic acid (11.20% FA), and linoleic acid (7.96% FA) were the most abundant saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids, respectively. The lipid nutritional indices, such as IT and ω-6/ω-3, of E. andrei were within limits considered to enhance human health. A protein extract derived from EAP (EAPPE), obtained by alkaline solubilisation and pH precipitation, exhibited an isoelectric pH of ~5. The total essential amino acid content and essential amino acid index of EAPPE were 373.3 mg·g-1 and 1.36 mg·g-1 protein, respectively. Techno-functional analysis of EAPPE indicated a high foaming capacity (83.3%) and emulsion stability (88.8% after 60 min). Heat coagulation of EAPPE was greater at pH 7.0 (12.6%) compared with pH 5.0 (4.83%), corroborating the pH-solubility profile and relatively high surface hydrophobicity (1061.0). These findings demonstrate the potential of EAP and EAPPE as nutrient-rich and functional ingredients suitable as alternative food and feed material. The presence of heavy metals, however, should be carefully considered.

Transcriptomic analysis of Chinese yam (Dioscorea polystachya Turcz.) variants indicates brassinosteroid involvement in tuber development.

Dioscorea is an important but underutilized genus of flowering plants that grows predominantly in tropical and subtropical regions. Several species, known as yam, develop large underground tubers and aerial bulbils that are used as food. The Chinese yam (D. polystachya Turcz.) is one of the few Dioscorea species that grows well in temperate regions and has been proposed as a climate-resilient crop to enhance food security in Europe. However, the fragile, club-like tubers are unsuitable for mechanical harvesting, which is facilitated by shorter and thicker storage organs. Brassinosteroids (BRs) play a key role in plant cell division, cell elongation and proliferation, as well as in the gravitropic response. We collected RNA-Seq data from the head, middle and tip of two tuber shape variants: F60 (long, thin) and F2000 (short, thick). Comparative transcriptome analysis of F60 vs. F2000 revealed 30,229 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), 1,393 of which were differentially expressed in the growing tip. Several DEGs are involved in steroid/BR biosynthesis or signaling, or may be regulated by BRs. The quantification of endogenous BRs revealed higher levels of castasterone (CS), 28-norCS, 28-homoCS and brassinolide in F2000 compared to F60 tubers. The highest BR levels were detected in the growing tip, and CS was the most abundant (439.6 ± 196.41 pmol/g in F2000 and 365.6 ± 112.78 pmol/g in F60). Exogenous 24-epi-brassinolide (epi-BL) treatment (20 nM) in an aeroponic system significantly increased the width-to-length ratio (0.045 ± 0.002) compared to the mock-treated plants (0.03 ± 0.002) after 7 weeks, indicating that exogenous epi-BL produces shorter and thicker tubers. In this study we demonstrate the role of BRs in D. polystachya tuber shape, providing insight into the role of plant hormones in yam storage organ development. We found that BRs can influence tuber shape in Chinese yam by regulating the expression of genes involved cell expansion. Our data can help to improve the efficiency of Chinese yam cultivation, which could provide an alternative food source and thus contribute to future food security in Europe.

Rhizobacteria control damping-off and promote growth of lima bean with and without co-inoculation with Rhizobium tropici CIAT899.

Rhizoctonia solani compromises the production of lima bean, an alternative and low-input food source in many tropical regions. Inoculation of bacterial strains has been used, but research on their biocontrol and growth promotion potential on lima bean is scarce. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of inoculation with rhizobacterial strains of the genera Bacillus, Brevibacillus, Paenibacillus, Burkholderia, Pseudomonas, and Rhizobium in combination or not with N2-fixing Rhizobium tropici on the control of damping-off disease and growth promotion in lima bean plants. Greenhouse experiments were conducted to evaluate the inoculation with bacterial strains with biocontrol potential in combination or not with R. tropici in substrate infected with R. solani CML 1846. Growth promotion of these strains was also assessed. Strains of Brevibacillus (UFLA 02-286), Pseudomonas (UFLA 02-281 and UFLA 04-885), Rhizobium (UFLA 04-195), and Burkholderia (UFLA 04-227) co-inoculated with the strain CIAT 899 (Rhizobium tropici) were the most effective in controlling R. solani, reducing the disease incidence in 47-60% on lima bean. The promising strains used in the biocontrol assays were also responsive in promoting growth of lima bean under disease and sterile conditions. A positive synergistic effect of co-inoculation of different genera contributed to plant growth, and these outcomes are important first steps to improve lima bean production.

Climate change and pulse migration: intermittent Chugach Inuit occupation of glacial fiords on the Kenai Coast, Alaska

For millennia, Inuit peoples of the Arctic and Subarctic have been challenged by the impacts of climate change on the abundance of key subsistence species. Responses to climate-induced declines in animal populations included switching to alternative food sources and/or migrating to regions of greater availability. We examine these dynamics for the Chugach Inuit (Sugpiat) people of southern coastal Alaska by synthesizing a large body of evidence from archeological sites, including radiocarbon dates and archaeofaunal assemblages, and by applying contemporary knowledge of glaciomarine ecosystems, spatial patterns of resource richness, and ocean-climate induced regime shifts in the Gulf of Alaska. We hypothesize that Chugach groups migrated from Cook Inlet and Prince William Sound to the Kenai Peninsula during periods of low sea surface temperatures (SSTs) to harvest harbor seals, which were seasonally aggregated near tidewater glaciers during pupping season, as well as piscivorous seabirds, Pacific cod, and other species that thrive under cool ocean conditions. During warming phases, the Chugach returned to Cook Inlet and Prince William Sound to fish for salmon and other species that abound during higher SSTs. Drivers of this coupled human-natural system of repeated (pulse) migration include the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO), the dominant pattern of sea surface temperatures in the North Pacific that has been shown to generate step-like regime shifts in the marine food web; and coastal glaciers that structure the functioning of fiord ecosystems and support high levels of biological productivity. The culturally-constructed Chugach niche in the glaciomarine habitat of the Gulf of Alaska was based on intergenerationally transmitted ecological knowledge that enabled a resilient, mobile response to climate and resource variation.

Quality assessment of high calcium Catfish (Clarias sp.) bone flour made by boiling and drying methods

Catfish (Clarias sp.) is a type of fish that is widely cultivated and consumed by community, especially in Indonesia. However, catfish bone has not been used optimally even though its nutritional content is quite high. The production of catfish bone flour can be an alternative source of functional food. This study aims to utilize catfish bone waste as high calcium flour and analyze its nutritional contents. This study consists of two steps, namely flour production and nutritional analysis. Catfish were prepared by eviscerating the internal organ and washing until clean. Then it were dipped into boiling water for 30 minutes at 100°C and separated bone from other parts. The boiled catfish bones were dried at 150°C for 1 hour using oven and ground into flour using blender. The raw flour was then sifted by sieve 60-80 mesh. Proximate analysis results showed that catfish bone flour contained 8.2985% fat, 2.1883% protein, 0.0096% zinc, 0.0028% iron, 10.73% water, 49.9346% ash, and 8.4059% calcium. Calcium content in catfish flour is 8405,9 mg/100g (>380 mg/100 g), therefore it is permitted to “high calcium” claim. Due to its nutritional content, catfish bone flour can be used as a raw material of functional food.

Bioactive Compounds, Antioxidant Activities, and HPLC Analysis of Nine Edible Sprouts in Cambodia.

The non-nutritional health benefits of sprouts are unconfirmed. Thus, nine sprout methanolic extracts were tested for phytoconstituents and antioxidant activity. The TPC, TCC, TFC, TAC, and TALC were measured. ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging and ferric-reducing antioxidant power assays were used to assess the antioxidant activity. HPLC detected gallic acid, vanillin, syringic acid, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, and rutin in the extracts. The sprout extracts contained six compounds, with caffeic acid being the most abundant. Gallic acid, syringic acid, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, vanillin, and rutin were highest in soybean, black sesame, mustard, sunflower, white radish, and black sesame sprouts, respectively. Sunflower sprouts had the highest level of TCC while soybean sprouts had the highest level of TFC, Taiwanese morning glory had the highest level of TPC, mustard sprouts had the highest level of TALC, and black sesame sprouts had the highest level of TAC. Taiwanese morning glories scavenged the most DPPH and ABTS radicals. Colored and white radish sprouts had similar ferric-reducing antioxidant power. Antioxidation mechanisms varied by compound. Our findings demonstrated that sprouts have biological effects, and their short time for mass production offers an alternative food source for health benefits, and that they are useful for future research development of natural products and dietary supplements.

Towards a sustainable bioeconomy in a post-oil era Nigeria

The bioeconomy comprises all primary arms of production, including industrial and economic sectors that employ biological resources and techniques to generate bio-based products and services, while creating new industries and employment. Advocates of the bioeconomy anticipate that biotechnology will play a key role in its development via scientific advances that will spur innovations in deriving products and energy from renewable biomass. About 50 countries have adopted bioeconomy policies, with a view to unlocking new vistas for economic development and innovation, while pushing towards the attainment of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Nigeria has an estimated annual biomass potential of about 200 billion kilogrammes, which could be harnessed to generate biofuels via integrated bio-refineries and microbial conversion. In addition, alternative food sources from microorganisms, aquaponics and other products from wood, especially as a plastic alternative and medicines provide endless opportunities for a sustainable bioeconomy in Nigeria. • Nigeria is and has been in a post-oil era. • Nigeria has an estimated annual biomass potential of about 200 billion kilogrammes. • Nigeria’s lignocellulosic biomass could be harnessed for the sustainable production of high-performance bioplastics and wood-derived hydrogels for targeted and controlled drug-delivery platforms. • Nigeria’s bioeconomy can drive more resilient economic growth and create job opportunities.

The effects of rearing density on growth, survival, and starvation resistance of the house cricket Acheta domesticus

Alternative food sources have become an important focus of research due to increased food demand coupled with reductions in traditional food productivity. In particular, substitutes for protein sources have been of increasing interest due to the unsustainability of traditional protein sources. Insects have been identified as a sustainable alternative to traditional protein sources, as they are easy to produce and contain essential proteins, fats, and minerals. However, mass-rearing insects requires similar considerations as farming traditional protein sources. To increase productively, growth and survival must be maximized at the highest possible densities while minimizing disease and food requirements. Here, we use the house cricket Acheta domesticus, a highly cultivated insect species, to investigate optimal densities for mass rearing at 14 days of age (4th instar). Nymphs were separated into density groups of 0.09, 0.19, 0.47, and 0.93 cricket/cm2 and monitored for growth and survival. Multiple regression revealed sex (p < 0.0001), density (p < 0.0001), and sex*density interaction (p = 0.0345) as predictors of growth rate. Survival to maturation was significantly reduced in both 0.47 (31%) and 0.93 (45%) cricket/cm2 groups compared to the controls. A second experiment was then conducted to investigate the starvation resistance of adult crickets reared from 14 days of age at 0.09, 0.19, 0.93, and 1.86 cricket/cm2. A second multiple regression analysis revealed only density (p < 0.0001) and to a lesser extent sex (p = 0.0005) to be predictors of starvation resistance. These results indicate that mass-rearing house crickets is most optimal at densities < 0.93 cricket/cm2, where impacts on survival and starvation are minimal. Although these results have implications for cricket mass rearing, research on other endpoints, including reproduction and the synergistic effects of other environmental factors, such as temperature and humidity, should be conducted.

Sublethal effects of chlorantraniliprole on growth, biochemical and molecular parameters in two chironomids, Chironomus kiiensis and Chironomus javanus

Pesticide residues have serious environmental impacts on rice-based ecosystems. In rice fields, Chironomus kiiensis and Chironomus javanus provide alternative food sources to predatory natural enemies of rice insect pests, especially when pests are low. Chlorantraniliprole is a substitute for older classes of insecticides and has been used extensively to control rice pests. To determine the ecological risks of chlorantraniliprole in rice fields, we evaluated its toxic effects on certain growth, biochemical and molecular parameters in these two chironomids. The toxicity tests were performed by exposing third-instar larvae to a range of concentrations of chlorantraniliprole. LC50 values at 24 h, 48 h, and 10 days showed that chlorantraniliprole was more toxic to C. javanus than to C. kiiensis. Chlorantraniliprole significantly prolonged the larval growth duration, inhibited pupation and emergence, and decreased egg numbers of C. kiiensis and C. javanus at sublethal dosages (LC10 = 1.50 mg/L and LC25 = 3.00 mg/L for C. kiiensis; LC10 = 0.25 mg/L and LC25 = 0.50 mg/L for C. javanus). Sublethal exposure to chlorantraniliprole significantly decreased the activity of the detoxification enzymes carboxylesterase (CarE) and glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) in both C. kiiensis and C. javanus. Sublethal exposure to chlorantraniliprole also markedly inhibited the activity of the antioxidant enzyme peroxidase (POD) in C. kiiensis and POD and catalase (CAT) in C. javanus. Expression levels of 12 genes revealed that detoxification and antioxidant abilities were affected by sublethal exposures to chlorantraniliprole. There were significant changes in the expression levels of seven genes (CarE6, CYP9AU1, CYP6FV2, GSTo1, GSTs1, GSTd2, and POD) in C. kiiensis and ten genes (CarE6, CYP9AU1, CYP6FV2, GSTo1, GSTs1, GSTd2, GSTu1, GSTu2, CAT, and POD) in C. javanus. These results provide a comprehensive overview of the differences in chlorantraniliprole toxicity to chironomids, indicating that C. javanus is more susceptible and suitable as an indicator for ecological risk assessment in rice ecosystems.

Long-term effects of saffron pollen on development, reproduction and predation capacity of Neoseiulus cucumeris (Acari: Phytoseiidae)

Predatory phytoseiid mites as biocontrol agents are increasingly used in pest control programs across the globe, and Neoseiulus cucumeris (Oudemans) is one of them, which is a commercially available agent against various pests of greenhouse crops. This generalist predatory mite can feed on different foods and diets, including small arthropods and pollen. Feeding and reproducing on a pollen diet is a considerable characteristic of this predatory mite that facilitates the cost-effective production of large numbers of this predator so-called mass rearing. Therefore, the effects of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) pollen as an alternative food source on development and reproduction of N. cucumeris were determined over 20 successive generations. In addition, the predation ability of the nymphs and adults of N. cucumeris being switched to natural prey, Tetranychus urticae Koch after 10<sup>th</sup> and 20<sup>th</sup> generations was evaluated. The shortest and longest developmental time happened in the 1<sup>th</sup> and 5<sup>st</sup> generations, respectively. The predator in the 1<sup>st</sup> and 20<sup>th</sup> generations had a higher intrinsic rate of increase (r) (0.171 and 0.170 day<sup>-1</sup>, respectively) than other generations, while the 5<sup>th</sup> generation had the lowest value of this parameter. The development and fecundity of N. cucumeris was not significantly different when this predator switched to a diet of T. urticae. The results of this study revealed that rearing of N. cucumeris for 20 generations on saffron pollen did not affect the performance of the predator negatively and this alternative food source can be used for the mass rearing of N. cucumeris.