Insects最新文献

{"title":"Overcoming Biases in Opportunistic Citizen Science for Studying Life History Traits of an Invasive Leaf-Mining Tree Insect Pest.","authors":"Natalia I Kirichenko, Maria A Ryazanova, Oksana V Kosheleva, Stanislav Gomboc, Barbara Piškur, Maarten de Groot","doi":"10.3390/insects16090929","DOIUrl":"10.3390/insects16090929","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The aim of this study was to determine whether opportunistic citizen science can support the detection of life history traits in invasive insects. Using the invasive leaf-mining micromoth <i>Macrosaccus robiniella</i> (Clemens 1859) (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) as a model species, we analyzed data from iNaturalist submitted by citizen scientists to assess the variability in its leaf mines on its native host, <i>Robinia pseudoacacia</i> L., 1753 (Fabaceae), across both the moth's invaded (Europe, North America-Eastern United States) and native range (North America-Southern and Western Unites States, Eastern Canada). We examined 86,489 photographs collected over the past 20 years to compare the occurrence and proportions of different <i>M. robiniella</i> leaf mine types between invaded and native ranges using three search variants: (I) <i>M. robiniella</i>, (II) all endophagous invasive insects associated with <i>R. pseudoacacia</i>, and (III) the host plant itself. The first two datasets revealed differences in the ratio of leaf mine types between Europe and North America (when analyzed separately for native and invaded areas), whereas the third dataset showed no significant differences in either the presence or proportion of mine types between invaded and native ranges. Leaf mine types atypical of <i>M. robiniella</i>, which resemble damage caused by other invasive insects such as <i>Parectopa robiniella</i> Clemens, 1863 (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) and <i>Obolodiplosis robiniae</i> (Haldeman, 1847) (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae)-also associated with <i>R. pseudoacacia</i>-have been observed in Europe for at least a decade. Our main conclusion is that, when investigating the life history traits of invasive herbivorous insects, focusing data collection on the host plant rather than on the insect species alone can reduce biases associated with opportunistic citizen science and help reveal true ecological patterns.</p>","PeriodicalId":13642,"journal":{"name":"Insects","volume":"16 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-09-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12470456/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145174949","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effect of Hydrogen Peroxide on Oviposition Site Preference and Egg Hatching of the <i>Aedes aegypti</i> (Linnaeus) Mosquito.","authors":"Luka Ndungu, Donald Roberts, Lewis Long, Emilie Goguet, Alex Stubner, Sean Beeman, Stephen Lewandowski, Bernard Okech","doi":"10.3390/insects16090928","DOIUrl":"10.3390/insects16090928","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) occurs in the environment, including in aquatic environments where mosquitoes might lay eggs. However, little is known about the compound's impact on mosquitoes. We conducted an experiment to determine the effect of H₂O₂ on <i>Ae. aegypti</i> oviposition behavior and egg hatching using H₂O₂ concentrations similar to those in natural aquatic environments. Oviposition behavior was evaluated by dual-choice and multi-choice bioassays. Gravid <i>Ae. aegypti</i> mosquitoes were placed in cages with containers with different H₂O₂ concentrations (5, 25, 50, and 100 μM). After 72 h, the number of eggs laid was compared between oviposition sites with and without H₂O₂. Additionally, egg hatching was assessed under long-period exposure (48 h) and short-period exposure (2, 4, and 6 h and then in deionized water for up to 48 h). Results showed no significant difference in oviposition preference scores in the multi-choice assay (OAI = -0.135 ± 0.06) (<i>p</i> = 0.138), but a significant difference in the dual-choice assay (0.195 ± 0.01) (<i>p</i> = 0.001). Long-period exposure to H₂O₂ did not significantly affect hatch rates (11.34%) (<i>p</i> = 0.363), but short-period exposure significantly impacted hatch rates (17%) (<i>p</i> = 0.0001), with period of exposure alone playing a significant role (<i>p</i> < 0.0044). Eggs exposed to 100 μM H₂O₂ for 2 h (<i>p</i> = 0.0070) and 4 h (<i>p</i> = 0.0036) had significantly higher hatch rates compared to the control. This study demonstrates that low concentrations of H₂O₂ can influence oviposition site characteristics and egg hatch rates. Combined with other environmental factors, H₂O₂ can shape the reproductive success of <i>Ae. aegypti</i>, offering potential strategies for mosquito control.</p>","PeriodicalId":13642,"journal":{"name":"Insects","volume":"16 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-09-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12470693/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145174940","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Improving Traps for Spotted Lanternflies, <i>Lycorma delicatula</i> (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae), by Leveraging Their Own Signals.","authors":"Miriam F Cooperband, Kelly M Murman","doi":"10.3390/insects16090930","DOIUrl":"10.3390/insects16090930","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The spotted lanternfly, <i>Lycorma delicatula</i> (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae) (SLF), is a damaging invasive pest and generalist phloem feeder that has been found in 18 states in the United States. It has a complex multimodal communication system involving semiochemicals, emitted both from their honeydew and their bodies, and substrate-borne vibrations. Sensitive and effective traps for detection and survey are essential management tools, but no potent lures for SLF exist yet. We sought to test an alternative that relies on live-trapped SLF acting as lures to improve trap efficacy after the first SLF is captured. SLF circle traps were modified by replacing the commonly used plastic collection bag with a mesh bag pinned to the tree trunk. These allowed the trapped SLF to remain alive and generate signals through the mesh bag, thus leveraging their natural modes of communication to draw additional SLF into the traps. We compared mesh and plastic bags over three years targeting fourth instars and adults and found that prior to oviposition, circle traps with mesh bags captured significantly more fourth instar (70% mesh: 30% plastic) and adult SLF (59% mesh: 41% plastic) compared to plastic bags, but during oviposition time, the results were mixed.</p>","PeriodicalId":13642,"journal":{"name":"Insects","volume":"16 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-09-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12470739/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145175002","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Effects of Cold Acclimation on Cold Tolerance and Growth and Reproduction of <i>Plodia interpunctella</i>.","authors":"Zhuoke Shi, Huiyuan Zhang, Shaohua Lu, Mingshun Chen","doi":"10.3390/insects16090927","DOIUrl":"10.3390/insects16090927","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Plodia interpunctella</i> is a globally significant pest of stored grains, posing a major threat to food safety. To explore its cold-adaptation mechanisms, this study evaluated the physiological and developmental responses of different life stages following short-term cold acclimation at 4 °C. Results showed that cold acclimation significantly reduced the supercooling points (SCPs) of larvae and pupae, with the greatest reduction observed in the second instar larvae. Antioxidant enzyme assays revealed marked increases in the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and peroxidase (POD), indicating enhanced oxidative stress resistance. Developmental durations were significantly shortened at lower temperatures in acclimated individuals, and fecundity was notably increased at 24 °C, although no significant changes were observed at higher temperatures. These findings suggest that cold acclimation improves the cold tolerance and reproductive performance of <i>P. interpunctella</i> under low-temperature conditions, offering insights into insect adaptability and providing theoretical support for the development of low-temperature-based pest management strategies in stored grain systems.</p>","PeriodicalId":13642,"journal":{"name":"Insects","volume":"16 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-09-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12470736/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145175155","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Warmer Temperature Accelerates the Aging-Dependent Decrease in Female Ovary Size, Delays Male Accessory Gland Development, and Accelerates Aging-Dependent Changes in Reproductive Gene Expression in <i>Anopheles gambiae</i> Mosquitoes.","authors":"Lindsay E Martin, Tania Y Estévez-Lao, Megan I Grant, Norbu Y Shastri, Julián F Hillyer","doi":"10.3390/insects16090921","DOIUrl":"10.3390/insects16090921","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In most mosquito species, reproduction requires mating between the female and the male, followed by the female blood-feeding, completing oogenesis, and laying eggs. Warmer environmental temperature and aging both reduce mosquito fecundity and fertility, and warmer temperature accelerates the aging-dependent decline in reproduction such that reproductive impairment manifests earlier in life. To shed light on how this warming-based acceleration of reproductive senescence occurs, we investigated how temperature (27 °C, 30 °C, and 32 °C) and aging interactively shape female and male reproductive tissue size in the African malaria mosquito, <i>Anopheles gambiae</i>. In blood-fed females, we discovered that warmer temperature accelerates the aging-dependent decrease in the size of the ovaries but not the spermatheca. In males, we discovered that warmer temperature lessens and delays the aging-dependent increase in the size of the male accessory glands but not the testes. Next, we measured the expression of reproductive genes in females and males. In female reproductive tissues, warmer temperature accelerates the aging-dependent decrease in the expression of vitellogenin and the aging-dependent increase in the expression of <i>MISO</i> and <i>HPX15</i>. In male reproductive tissues, warmer temperature accelerates an aging-dependent decrease in the expression of <i>Plugin</i>, <i>TGase3</i>, <i>phLP</i>, and <i>CYP315A1</i>. Altogether, these data shed light on how physical and transcriptional changes underpin the warming-based acceleration of an aging-dependent decline in mosquito fecundity and fertility.</p>","PeriodicalId":13642,"journal":{"name":"Insects","volume":"16 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-09-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12470671/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145175096","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Hermetic Storage as a Chemical-Free Alternative for Millet Preservation in Niger.","authors":"Habibou Yahaya Dan Bawa, Ibrahim Boukary Baoua, Mahamane Moctar Rabé, Dieudonne Baributsa","doi":"10.3390/insects16090917","DOIUrl":"10.3390/insects16090917","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Millet (<i>Pennisetum glaucum</i> (L.) R. Br.) is the most widely consumed cereal in Niger. Although its production lasts six months, consumption is year-round, requiring effective and safe storage solutions. Post-harvest losses of millet can reach up to 17% after several months of storage. Chemical pesticides are commonly used in large warehouses, but concerns over misuse and health risks have driven interest in safer alternatives. This study assessed the effectiveness of traditional and improved storage methods in controlling <i>Trogoderma granarium</i> Everts, an emerging pest of millet in large warehouse facilities. Three storage methods were tested: (i) a hermetic Purdue Improved Crop Storage (PICS) bag; (ii) chemical pesticide Phostoxin; and (iii) an untreated ordinary polypropylene bag as a control. Naturally infested millet obtained from a large warehouse was assessed for each treatment at the start and end of a six-month storage period. Two insect pests were identified, <i>T. granarium</i> and <i>Tribolium</i> sp. Initial infestation levels were 60 larvae and 0.47 adults per 500 g. After six months, the control showed a 1.7-fold increase in <i>T. granarium</i> larvae, a 2.96-fold increase in its adults, and a 3.19-fold increase in <i>Tribolium</i> sp. adults, resulting in 19.15% weight loss. In contrast, PICS and Phostoxin treatments maintained initial pest levels with no weight loss. These results suggest that hermetic storage is a safe, effective, and chemical-free alternative for preserving millet in large warehouses.</p>","PeriodicalId":13642,"journal":{"name":"Insects","volume":"16 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-09-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12471198/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145175036","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Egg Allocation on <i>Anastrepha ludens</i> Larvae by Mass-Reared <i>Diachasmimorpha longicaudata</i> Females.","authors":"Jorge Cancino, Amanda Ayala, Erick Flores-Sarmiento, Flor de María Moreno, Lorena Del Carmen Suárez, Sergio Marcelo Ovruski, Pablo Montoya","doi":"10.3390/insects16090926","DOIUrl":"10.3390/insects16090926","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The age-dependent reproductive behavior of parasitoid females under mass-rearing conditions may influence the quality of the biocontrol agents produced. Therefore, this study assessed the egg allocation behavior of <i>Diachasmimorpha longicaudata</i> (Ashmead) females at different ages under mass-rearing conditions. This parasitoid native to Southeast Asia is mass-reared on irradiated <i>Anastrepha ludens</i> (Loew) larvae at the Moscafrut Program facility in Mexico and is released in crop areas to suppress fruit fly pest species. Parasitoid females aged 5-10 days were used to assess quality control parameters, such as parasitized host mortality, parasitoid emergence, offspring sex ratio, and superparasitism. <i>Anastrepha ludens</i> puparia were checked and dissected 72 h after being exposed to female parasitoids to determine the number of scars on the puparium of first-instar parasitoids, respectively. Parasitized puparia were kept under lab conditions to assess adult emergence and offspring sex ratio. Host mortality, superparasitism, and parasitoid offspring sex ratio were affected by female age. The highest host mortality and superparasitism were caused by 5-7-day-old females, which also produced a significantly higher female-to-male offspring ratio with improved fitness-related parameters. The use of cages with females of these ages may improve the quality parameters of parasitoids and result in higher female-to-male offspring sex ratios. Furthermore, production costs could be lowered by reducing the quantity of hosts and rearing commodities. These findings are a useful contribution to improving the current method used for the mass rearing of <i>D. longicaudata</i> at the Moscafrut Program facility.</p>","PeriodicalId":13642,"journal":{"name":"Insects","volume":"16 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-09-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12470676/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145175050","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Apoptosis and Relevant Genes Are Engaged in the Response of <i>Apis mellifera</i> Larvae to <i>Ascosphaera apis</i> Invasion.","authors":"Tianze Zhang, Jingxian Li, Jiarun Yang, Xiaoxue Fan, Shiyu Mi, Xi Guo, Mengyuan Dai, Xihan Luo, Peiyuan Zou, Qingwei Tan, Dafu Chen, Jianfeng Qiu, Rui Guo","doi":"10.3390/insects16090925","DOIUrl":"10.3390/insects16090925","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Apoptosis is a genetically controlled process vital for homeostasis. This study examined the apoptotic response in the gut of <i>Apis mellifera</i> (<i>A. mellifera</i>) larvae to infection by <i>Ascosphaera apis</i> (<i>A. apis</i>) and its impact on host resistance and pathogen virulence. Here, Worker larvae of <i>A. mellifera</i> were inoculated with purified <i>A. apis</i> spores. We then quantified the expression of key apoptosis-related genes (<i>AmCaspase</i>-3, <i>AmBax</i>, and <i>AmBcl</i>-2) in the host gut and detected apoptotic cells via TUNEL assay. To functionally assess the role of apoptosis, larvae were treated with either the apoptosis inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK or the activator PAC-1, after which host survival, expression of apoptosis-associated genes, and the fungal virulence factor gene <i>Ste</i>11-<i>like</i> were analyzed. Our results showed that infection with <i>A. apis</i> significantly upregulated the expression of <i>AmCaspase</i>-3 and <i>AmBax</i> (<i>p</i> < 0.05) at 1-3 days post-inoculation (dpi), while the expression of <i>AmBcl</i>-2 was significantly reduced at 1 and 3 dpi (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Consistent with this, TUNEL assays revealed a markedly stronger green fluorescence signal in the guts of inoculated larvae at 3 dpi compared to uninfected controls, with clear co-localization of TUNEL and nuclear signals, confirming increased apoptosis. Pharmacological inhibition of apoptosis significantly enhanced the survival rate of <i>A. apis</i>-infected larvae, whereas apoptosis activation decreased larval survival. Accordingly, inhibiting apoptosis significantly suppressed the expression of <i>AmCaspase</i>-3 and <i>AmBax</i> (<i>p</i> < 0.001) and upregulated <i>AmBcl</i>-2 (<i>p</i> < 0.001). Conversely, apoptosis activation upregulated <i>AmCaspase</i>-3 (<i>p</i> > 0.05) and <i>AmBax</i> (<i>p</i> < 0.001), while significantly down-regulating <i>AmBcl</i>-2. Furthermore, apoptosis inhibition significantly down-regulated the fungal virulence gene <i>Ste</i>11-<i>like</i>, while its activation had the opposite effect. In summary, <i>A. apis</i> infection induces apoptosis in the larval gut by activating <i>AmCaspas</i>e-3 and <i>AmBax</i> and suppressing <i>AmBcl</i>-2. Inhibiting this apoptotic response enhanced host survival by modulating the expression of host apoptosis-related genes and the fungal <i>Ste</i>11-<i>like</i> virulence factor. These findings provide new insights into the host response to <i>A. apis</i> and suggest a potential strategy for controlling chalkbrood disease.</p>","PeriodicalId":13642,"journal":{"name":"Insects","volume":"16 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-09-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12471048/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145175103","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"<i>Galleria mellonella</i> and the Bac-to-Bac Expression System: A Convenient Model for Testing Molecules Intended to Genetically Enhance Baculovirus Pathogenicity.","authors":"Sergey A Timofeev, Anastasia G Shukhalova, Alsu M Utkuzova, Ruslan R Fadeev, Viacheslav V Dolgikh, Igor V Senderskiy","doi":"10.3390/insects16090923","DOIUrl":"10.3390/insects16090923","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The use of viruses as natural pathogens of pest insects is a promising approach in biocontrol. The main drawback of this approach is its relatively slow mode of action, which could be addressed through genetic modifications of the strains used. In this article, we propose the use of the commercially available Bac-to-Bac system for infecting pest insects with a recombinant virus and assessing the impact of various molecules on their viability. Using the laboratory-friendly model organism <i>Galleria mellonella</i> and baculovirus carrying the <i>eGFP</i> gene, we demonstrated a 100% infection rate, with a consistent and stable spread of the viruses throughout insect bodies and a gradual increase in recombinant protein expression. Notably, at day 5 post-infection the insects remained viable and active. This approach enables the identification of pathogenic effects caused by the virus-induced expression of other molecules, such as toxins.</p>","PeriodicalId":13642,"journal":{"name":"Insects","volume":"16 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-09-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12471071/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145175105","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Response of Monoecious and Dioecious Cultivars of Agricultural Hemp to an Organic Fertiliser Derived from Black Soldier Fly Frass.","authors":"Gordon Kavanagh, Susanne Schilling, Rainer Melzer, Simon Hodge","doi":"10.3390/insects16090918","DOIUrl":"10.3390/insects16090918","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The development of sustainable food systems requires the appraisal of novel methods of maintaining soil nutrients and the evaluation of alternative crops and sward systems. Accordingly, this study examined how agricultural hemp responded to an organic fertiliser produced from black soldier fly (BSF; <i>Hermetia illucens</i>) frass. The results indicate that at equivalent N-rates (approx. 0.16 g N per pot), a commercial BSF frass fertiliser (\"HexaFrass\") produced similar increases in shoot growth of monoecious and dioecious hemp seedlings as was achieved with established organic fertilisers (chicken manure; Miracle-gro). In one cultivar, CFX-2, it was shown that positive effects on shoot growth could be achieved at low fertiliser rates (≤4 g per pot), and additional fertiliser dd not induce additional shoot growth. Application of HexaFrass increased the shoot content of P, K, and Mg but not N, an important consideration if hemp straw and foliage are to be used as livestock feed. Insect frass fertilisers can supply hemp seedlings with the nutrients required for accelerated shoot growth, but further work is needed to evaluate different fertiliser regimes (e.g., split application; liquid extracts) and to assess how frass fertilisers affect yield and chemical profiles of hemp seeds.</p>","PeriodicalId":13642,"journal":{"name":"Insects","volume":"16 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-09-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12470756/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145175101","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}