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Robinson K, Duffield KR, Ramirez JL, Cohnstaedt LW, Ashworth A, Jesudhasan PR, Arsi K, Morales Ramos JA, Rojas MG, Crippen TL, Shanmugasundaram R, Vaughan M, Webster C, Sealey W, Purswell JL, Oppert B, Neven L, Cook K, Donoghue AM. MINIstock: Model for INsect Inclusion in sustainable agriculture: USDA-ARS's research approach to advancing insect meal development and inclusion in animal diets. JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY 2024:toae130. [PMID: 38961669 DOI: 10.1093/jee/toae130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
Animal agriculture is under pressure to increase efficiency, sustainability, and innovation to meet the demands of a rising global population while decreasing adverse environmental effects. Feed cost and availability are 2 of the biggest hurdles to sustainable production. Current diets depend on sources of grain and animal byproduct protein for essential amino acids which have limited sustainability. Insects have arisen as an attractive, sustainable alternative protein source for animal diets due to their favorable nutrient composition, low space and water requirements, and natural role in animal diets. Additionally, insects are capable of bioremediating waste streams including agricultural and food waste, manure, and plastics helping to increase their sustainability. The insect rearing industry has grown rapidly in recent years and shows great economic potential. However, state-of-the-art research is urgently needed to overcome barriers to adoption in commercial animal diets such as regulatory restrictions, production scale issues, and food safety concerns. To address this need, the USDA Agricultural Research Service "MINIstoc: Model for INsect Inclusion" project was created to bring together diverse scientists from across the world to synergistically advance insect meal production and inclusion in animal diets. Here, we provide a short review of insects as feed while describing the MINIstock project which serves as the inspiration for the Journal of Economic Entomology Special Collection "Insects as feed: sustainable solutions for food waste and animal production practices."
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kristin R Duffield
- USDA-ARS, National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, Crop Bioprotection Research, Peoria, IL, USA
| | - José L Ramirez
- USDA-ARS, National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, Crop Bioprotection Research, Peoria, IL, USA
| | - Lee W Cohnstaedt
- USDA-ARS, National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility, Foreign Arthropod Borne Animal Disease Research, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - Amanda Ashworth
- USDA-ARS, Poultry Production and Product Safety Research, Fayetteville, AR, USA
| | - Palmy R Jesudhasan
- USDA-ARS, Poultry Production and Product Safety Research, Fayetteville, AR, USA
| | - Komala Arsi
- USDA-ARS, Poultry Production and Product Safety Research, Fayetteville, AR, USA
| | - Juan A Morales Ramos
- USDA-ARS, National Biological Control Laboratory, Biological Control of Pests Research, Stoneville, MS, USA
| | - M Guadalupe Rojas
- USDA-ARS, National Biological Control Laboratory, Biological Control of Pests Research, Stoneville, MS, USA
| | - Tawni L Crippen
- USDA-ARS, Food and Feed Safety Research, College Station, TX, USA
| | | | - Martha Vaughan
- USDA-ARS, National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, Mycotoxin Prevention and Applied Microbiology Research, Peoria, IL, USA
| | - Carl Webster
- USDA-ARS, Aquatic Animal Health Research, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Wendy Sealey
- USDA-ARS, Bozeman Fish Technology Center, Bozeman, MT, USA
| | | | - Brenda Oppert
- USDA-ARS, Center for Grain and Animal Health Research, Stored Product Insect and Engineering Research, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - Lisa Neven
- USDA-ARS, Temperate Tree Fruit and Vegetable Research, Wapato, WA, USA
| | - Kim Cook
- USDA-ARS, Beltsville, Beltsville, MD, USA
| | - Annie M Donoghue
- USDA-ARS, Poultry Production and Product Safety Research, Fayetteville, AR, USA
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Hernández-Pelegrín L, Huditz HI, García-Castillo P, de Ruijter NCA, van Oers MM, Herrero S, Ros VID. Covert RNA viruses in medflies differ in their mode of transmission and tissue tropism. J Virol 2024; 98:e0010824. [PMID: 38742874 PMCID: PMC11237731 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00108-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Numerous studies have demonstrated the presence of covert viral infections in insects. These infections can be transmitted in insect populations via two main routes: vertical from parents to offspring, or horizontal between nonrelated individuals. Thirteen covert RNA viruses have been described in the Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly). Some of these viruses are established in different laboratory-reared and wild medfly populations, although variations in the viral repertoire and viral levels have been observed at different time points. To better understand these viral dynamics, we characterized the prevalence and levels of covert RNA viruses in two medfly strains, assessed the route of transmission of these viruses, and explored their distribution in medfly adult tissues. Altogether, our results indicated that the different RNA viruses found in medflies vary in their preferred route of transmission. Two iflaviruses and a narnavirus are predominantly transmitted through vertical transmission via the female, while a nodavirus and a nora virus exhibited a preference for horizontal transmission. Overall, our results give valuable insights into the viral tropism and transmission of RNA viruses in the medfly, contributing to the understanding of viral dynamics in insect populations. IMPORTANCE The presence of RNA viruses in insects has been extensively covered. However, the study of host-virus interaction has focused on viruses that cause detrimental effects to the host. In this manuscript, we uncovered which tissues are infected with covert RNA viruses in the agricultural pest Ceratitis capitata, and which is the preferred transmission route of these viruses. Our results showed that vertical and horizontal transmission can occur simultaneously, although each virus is transmitted more efficiently following one of these routes. Additionally, our results indicated an association between the tropism of the RNA virus and the preferred route of transmission. Overall, these results set the basis for understanding how viruses are established and maintained in medfly populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Hernández-Pelegrín
- Laboratory of Virology, Department of Plant Science, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
- Department of Genetics and University Institute of Biotechnology and Biomedicine (BIOTECMED), Universitat de València, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain
| | - Hannah-Isadora Huditz
- Laboratory of Virology, Department of Plant Science, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
- Department of Genetics and University Institute of Biotechnology and Biomedicine (BIOTECMED), Universitat de València, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain
- Insect Pest Control Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Programme of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna International Centre, Vienna, Austria
| | - Pablo García-Castillo
- Department of Genetics and University Institute of Biotechnology and Biomedicine (BIOTECMED), Universitat de València, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain
| | - Norbert C A de Ruijter
- Laboratory of Cell and Developmental Biology, Department of Plant Science, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Monique M van Oers
- Laboratory of Virology, Department of Plant Science, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Salvador Herrero
- Department of Genetics and University Institute of Biotechnology and Biomedicine (BIOTECMED), Universitat de València, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain
| | - Vera I D Ros
- Laboratory of Virology, Department of Plant Science, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
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Kumar Pradhan S, Morrow JL, Sharpe SR, Karuppannasamy A, Ramasamy E, Bynakal S, Maligeppagol M, Ramasamy A, Riegler M. RNA virus diversity and prevalence in field and laboratory populations of melon fly throughout its distribution. J Invertebr Pathol 2024; 204:108117. [PMID: 38679365 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2024.108117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Insects have a rich diversity of RNA viruses that can either cause acute infections or persist in host populations without visible symptoms. The melon fly, Zeugodacus cucurbitae (Tephritidae) causes substantial economic losses through infestation of diverse cucurbit and other crops. Of Indomalayan origin, it is now established in many tropical regions of the world. The virome diversity of Z. cucurbitae is largely unknown across large parts of its distribution, including the Indian subcontinent. We have analysed three transcriptomes each of one field-collected and one laboratory-reared Z. cucurbitae population from Bangalore (India) and discovered genomes of ten putative RNA viruses: two sigmaviruses, one chimbavirus, one cripavirus, one noda-like virus, one nora virus, one orbivirus, one partiti-like virus, one sobemovirus and one toti-like virus. Analysis of the only available host genome of a Hawaiian Z. cucurbitae population did not detect host genome integration of the detected viruses. While all ten viruses were found in the Bangalore field population only seven were detected in the laboratory population, indicating that these seven may cause persistent covert infections. Using virus-specific RNA-dependent RNA polymerase gene primers, we detected nine of the RNA viruses with an overall low variant diversity in some but not all individual flies from four out of five Indian regions. We then screened 39 transcriptomes of Z. cucurbitae laboratory populations from eastern Asia (Guangdong, Hainan, Taiwan) and the Pacific region (Hawaii), and detected seven of the ten virus genomes. We found additional genomes of a picorna-like virus and a negev-like virus. Hawaii as the only tested population from the fly's invasive range only had one virus. Our study provides evidence of new and high RNA virus diversity in Indian populations within the original range of Z. cucurbitae, as well as the presence of persistent covert infections in laboratory populations. It builds the basis for future research of tephritid-associated RNA viruses, including their host effects, epidemiology and application potential in biological control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjay Kumar Pradhan
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia; ICAR- Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Hesaraghatta Lake, Bengaluru 560089, Karnataka, India; Department of Agricultural Entomology, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru 560065, Karnataka, India.
| | - Jennifer L Morrow
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia.
| | - Stephen R Sharpe
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia.
| | - Ashok Karuppannasamy
- ICAR- Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Hesaraghatta Lake, Bengaluru 560089, Karnataka, India; Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore 641003, Tamil Nadu, India; Tata Institute for Genetics and Society, Bengaluru 560065, Karnataka, India.
| | - Ellango Ramasamy
- Computational and Mathematical Biology Centre (CMBC), THSTI- Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad 121001, Haryana, India.
| | - Shivanna Bynakal
- Department of Agricultural Entomology, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru 560065, Karnataka, India.
| | - Manamohan Maligeppagol
- ICAR- Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Hesaraghatta Lake, Bengaluru 560089, Karnataka, India.
| | - Asokan Ramasamy
- ICAR- Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Hesaraghatta Lake, Bengaluru 560089, Karnataka, India.
| | - Markus Riegler
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia.
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Doidge NP, Allen JL, Bushell R, Whittle KM, Zane-Todd L, Lynch M, Browning GF, Marenda MS. Detection and Differentiation of Entomopathogenic Serratia spp. to Inform Reintroduction of the Critically Endangered Lord Howe Island Stick Insect Dryococelus australis. J Wildl Dis 2024; 60:306-318. [PMID: 38243844 DOI: 10.7589/jwd-d-23-00125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
Once rodents have been successfully eradicated from Lord Howe Island, Australia, the critically endangered Lord Howe Island stick insect (Dryococelus australis (Montrouzier)) may be reintroduced, a century after it was thought to have become extinct. In captive populations of D. australis, elevated mortalities have been associated with bacterial pathogens. To better define the infectious risk posed by entomopathogens to the reintroduction program, we investigated the bacteria isolated from captive D. australis kept at Melbourne Zoo and on Lord Howe Island and from environmental samples and free-living invertebrates collected on various parts of the island. At Melbourne Zoo, Serratia and Pseudomonas spp. were the bacteria most frequently isolated between 2013 and 2019. Serratia spp. were also the organisms most frequently isolated from insects sampled in April 2019 from the captive population on Lord Howe Island. In addition, Serratia spp. were isolated from a range of environmental samples collected on Lord Howe Island during March-April 2019. These environmental isolates had a broader range of biochemical and molecular characteristics than those obtained from the captive insect populations. A large proportion of these isolates were urease positive and had biochemical profiles previously not described for Serratia spp. This study highlights the need for better surveillance for potential pathogens in understudied regions and sites. We conclude that infections caused by Serratia spp. might pose a problem to the captive breeding program for D. australis but that the risk of introducing novel pathogens to Lord Howe Island through infected insects is low. Our study explores some of the potential risks involved in captive breeding and provides a valuable example of using pathogen surveillance to better inform an invertebrate conservation program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas P Doidge
- Asia-Pacific Centre for Animal Health, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, 250 Princes Highway, Werribee, Victoria, 3030, Australia
- Melbourne Zoo, Elliot Avenue, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia
| | - Joanne L Allen
- Asia-Pacific Centre for Animal Health, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, Corner Park Drive and Flemington Road, Building 400, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Rhys Bushell
- Asia-Pacific Centre for Animal Health, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, 250 Princes Highway, Werribee, Victoria, 3030, Australia
| | - Katie-Marie Whittle
- Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, Grattan Street, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Laura Zane-Todd
- Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, Grattan Street, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Michael Lynch
- Melbourne Zoo, Elliot Avenue, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia
| | - Glenn F Browning
- Asia-Pacific Centre for Animal Health, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, Corner Park Drive and Flemington Road, Building 400, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Marc S Marenda
- Asia-Pacific Centre for Animal Health, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, 250 Princes Highway, Werribee, Victoria, 3030, Australia
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Tanga CM, Ekesi S. Dietary and Therapeutic Benefits of Edible Insects: A Global Perspective. ANNUAL REVIEW OF ENTOMOLOGY 2024; 69:303-331. [PMID: 37758222 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-ento-020123-013621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Edible insects are gaining traction worldwide for research and development. This review synthesizes a large and well-established body of research literature on the high nutritional value and variety of pharmacological properties of edible insects. Positive benefits of insect-derived products include immune enhancement; gastrointestinal protection; antitumor, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory capacities; antibacterial activities; blood lipid and glucose regulation; lowering of blood pressure; and decreased risk of cardiovascular diseases. However, the pharmacological mechanisms of these active components of edible insects in humans have received limited research attention. In addition, we discuss health risks (safety); application prospects; regulations and policies governing their production and consumption with a view to promote innovations, intraglobal trade, and economic development; and suggestions for future directions for further pharmacological functional studies. The aim is to review the current state of knowledge and research trends on edible insects as functional ingredients beneficial to the nutrition and health of humans and animals (livestock, aquatic species, and pets).
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Affiliation(s)
- Chrysantus Mbi Tanga
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya; ,
| | - Sunday Ekesi
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya; ,
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6
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Armién AG, Polon R, Rejmanek D, Moeller RB, Crossley BM. Outbreak of densovirus with high mortality in a commercial mealworm ( Tenebrio molitor) farm: A molecular, bright-field, and electron microscopic characterization. Vet Pathol 2023; 60:689-703. [PMID: 37341069 PMCID: PMC10469485 DOI: 10.1177/03009858231180488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
Mealworms are one of the most economically important insects in large-scale production for human and animal nutrition. Densoviruses are highly pathogenic for invertebrates and exhibit an extraordinary level of diversity which rivals that of their hosts. Molecular, clinical, histological, and electron microscopic characterization of novel densovirus infections is of utmost economic and ecological importance. Here, we describe an outbreak of densovirus with high mortality in a commercial mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) farm. Clinical signs included inability to prehend food, asymmetric locomotion evolving to nonambulation, dehydration, dark discoloration, and death. Upon gross examination, infected mealworms displayed underdevelopment, dark discoloration, larvae body curvature, and organ/tissue softness. Histologically, there was massive epithelial cell death, and cytomegaly and karyomegaly with intranuclear inclusion (InI) bodies in the epidermis, pharynx, esophagus, rectum, tracheae, and tracheoles. Ultrastructurally, these InIs represented a densovirus replication and assembly complex composed of virus particles ranging from 23.79 to 26.99 nm in diameter, as detected on transmission electron microscopy. Whole-genome sequencing identified a 5579-nucleotide-long densovirus containing 5 open reading frames. A phylogenetic analysis of the mealworm densovirus showed it to be closely related to several bird- and bat-associated densoviruses, sharing 97% to 98% identity. Meanwhile, the nucleotide similarity to a mosquito, cockroach, and cricket densovirus was 55%, 52%, and 41%, respectively. As this is the first described whole-genome characterization of a mealworm densovirus, we propose the name Tenebrio molitor densovirus (TmDNV). In contrast to polytropic densoviruses, this TmDNV is epitheliotropic, primarily affecting cuticle-producing cells.
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Eke M, Tougeron K, Hamidovic A, Tinkeu LSN, Hance T, Renoz F. Deciphering the functional diversity of the gut microbiota of the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens): recent advances and future challenges. Anim Microbiome 2023; 5:40. [PMID: 37653468 PMCID: PMC10472620 DOI: 10.1186/s42523-023-00261-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Bioconversion using insects is a promising strategy to convert organic waste (catering leftovers, harvest waste, food processing byproducts, etc.) into biomass that can be used for multiple applications, turned into high added-value products, and address environmental, societal and economic concerns. Due to its ability to feed on a tremendous variety of organic wastes, the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) has recently emerged as a promising insect for bioconversion of organic wastes on an industrial scale. A growing number of studies have highlighted the pivotal role of the gut microbiota in the performance and health of this insect species. This review aims to provide a critical overview of current knowledge regarding the functional diversity of the gut microbiota of H. illucens, highlighting its importance for bioconversion, food safety and the development of new biotechnological tools. After providing an overview of the different strategies that have been used to outline the microbial communities of H. illucens, we discuss the diversity of these gut microbes and the beneficial services they can provide to their insect host. Emphasis is placed on technical strategies and aspects of host biology that require special attention in the near future of research. We also argue that the singular digestive capabilities and complex gut microbiota of H. illucens make this insect species a valuable model for addressing fundamental questions regarding the interactions that insects have evolved with microorganisms. By proposing new avenues of research, this review aims to stimulate research on the microbiota of a promising insect to address the challenges of bioconversion, but also fundamental questions regarding bacterial symbiosis in insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurielle Eke
- Biodiversity Research Centre, Earth and Life Institute, UCLouvain, 1348, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Ngaoundéré, PO BOX 454, Ngaoundéré, Cameroon
| | - Kévin Tougeron
- UMR CNRS 7058 EDYSAN (Ecologie et Dynamique des Systèmes Anthropisés), Université de Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens, 80039 France
- Research Institute in Bioscience, Université de Mons, Mons, 7000 Belgium
| | - Alisa Hamidovic
- Biodiversity Research Centre, Earth and Life Institute, UCLouvain, 1348, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Leonard S. Ngamo Tinkeu
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Ngaoundéré, PO BOX 454, Ngaoundéré, Cameroon
| | - Thierry Hance
- Biodiversity Research Centre, Earth and Life Institute, UCLouvain, 1348, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - François Renoz
- Biodiversity Research Centre, Earth and Life Institute, UCLouvain, 1348, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
- Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), Tsukuba, 305-8634 Japan
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Aidoo OF, Osei-Owusu J, Asante K, Dofuor AK, Boateng BO, Debrah SK, Ninsin KD, Siddiqui SA, Chia SY. Insects as food and medicine: a sustainable solution for global health and environmental challenges. Front Nutr 2023; 10:1113219. [PMID: 37388630 PMCID: PMC10303143 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1113219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Insects are a significant source of food for millions of people worldwide. Since ancient times, insects in medicine have been contributing to the treatment of diseases in humans and animals. Compared to conventional animal farming, the production of insects for food and feed generates significantly less greenhouse gas emissions and uses considerably less land. Edible insects provide many ecosystem services, including pollination, environmental health monitoring, and the decomposition of organic waste materials. Some wild edible insects are pests of cash crops. Thus, harvesting and consuming edible insect pests as food and utilizing them for therapeutic purposes could be a significant progress in the biological control of insect pests. Our review discusses the contribution of edible insects to food and nutritional security. It highlights therapeutic uses of insects and recommends ways to ensure a sustainable insect diet. We stress that the design and implementation of guidelines for producing, harvesting, processing, and consuming edible insects must be prioritized to ensure safe and sustainable use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Owusu Fordjour Aidoo
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Environment and Sustainable Development, Somanya, Ghana
| | - Jonathan Osei-Owusu
- Department of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, University of Environment and Sustainable Development, Somanya, Ghana
| | - Kwasi Asante
- Coconut Research Programme, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Sekondi, Ghana
| | - Aboagye Kwarteng Dofuor
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Environment and Sustainable Development, Somanya, Ghana
| | | | - Shadrack Kwaku Debrah
- Department of Horticulture and Crop Production Sunyani, University of Energy and Natural Resources, Sunyani, Ghana
| | - Kodwo Dadzie Ninsin
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Environment and Sustainable Development, Somanya, Ghana
| | - Shahida Anusha Siddiqui
- Technical University of Munich, Campus Straubing for Biotechnology and Sustainability, Straubing, Germany
- German Institute of Food Technologies (DIL e.V.), Quakenbrück, Germany
| | - Shaphan Yong Chia
- Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
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Shah P, Ruan X, van Loon JJA, Dicke M. Temperature-modulated host-pathogen interactions between Hermetia illucens L. (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) and Pseudomonas protegens Pf-5. J Invertebr Pathol 2023; 198:107934. [PMID: 37169329 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2023.107934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Temperature is an important abiotic factor influencing the survival and fitness of pathogens as well as their hosts. We investigated the effect of three temperatures (18°C, 27°C and 37°C) on survival and performance of black soldier fly larvae (BSFL), Hermetia illucens L., upon infection by an entomopathogenic Gram-negative bacterium, Pseudomonas protegens Pf-5. The effect of different temperatures on pathogen fitness was investigated both in vivo and in vitro. Pathogen performance under exposure to the insect antimicrobial peptide cecropin was investigated at the three temperatures using radial-diffusion plate assays. Higher rearing temperatures resulted in higher larval survival, increased larval weight, and higher inhibitory activity of cecropin against P. protegens Pf-5. At higher temperature, bacterial growth, both in vivo and in vitro, was reduced, resulting in increased BSFL survival. These observations collectively indicate the important effect of rearing temperature on host-pathogen interactions and the possibility to apply temperature treatment in reducing entomopathogen effects in BSFL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parth Shah
- Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University & Research, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Xinyan Ruan
- Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University & Research, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Joop J A van Loon
- Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University & Research, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Marcel Dicke
- Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University & Research, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands.
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Dossey AT, Oppert B, Chu FC, Lorenzen MD, Scheffler B, Simpson S, Koren S, Johnston JS, Kataoka K, Ide K. Genome and Genetic Engineering of the House Cricket ( Acheta domesticus): A Resource for Sustainable Agriculture. Biomolecules 2023; 13:589. [PMID: 37189337 PMCID: PMC10136058 DOI: 10.3390/biom13040589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The house cricket, Acheta domesticus, is one of the most farmed insects worldwide and the foundation of an emerging industry using insects as a sustainable food source. Edible insects present a promising alternative for protein production amid a plethora of reports on climate change and biodiversity loss largely driven by agriculture. As with other crops, genetic resources are needed to improve crickets for food and other applications. Methods: We present the first high quality annotated genome assembly of A. domesticus from long read data and scaffolded to chromosome level, providing information needed for genetic manipulation. Results: Gene groups related to immunity were annotated and will be useful for improving value to insect farmers. Metagenome scaffolds in the A. domesticus assembly, including Invertebrate Iridescent Virus 6 (IIV6), were submitted as host-associated sequences. We demonstrate both CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knock-in and knock-out of A. domesticus and discuss implications for the food, pharmaceutical, and other industries. RNAi was demonstrated to disrupt the function of the vermilion eye-color gene producing a useful white-eye biomarker phenotype. Conclusions: We are utilizing these data to develop technologies for downstream commercial applications, including more nutritious and disease-resistant crickets, as well as lines producing valuable bioproducts, such as vaccines and antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron T. Dossey
- All Things Bugs LLC, Invertebrate Studies Institute, Inc., 2211 Snapper Ln., Oklahoma City, OK 73130, USA
| | - Brenda Oppert
- USDA Agricultural Research Service, Center for Grain and Animal Health Research, 1515 College, Ave., Manhattan, KS 66502, USA
| | - Fu-Chyun Chu
- All Things Bugs LLC, Invertebrate Studies Institute, Inc., 2211 Snapper Ln., Oklahoma City, OK 73130, USA
| | - Marcé D. Lorenzen
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Brian Scheffler
- USDA Agricultural Research Service, Jamie Whitten Delta States Research Center, 141 Experiment Station Road, Stoneville, MS 38776, USA
| | - Sheron Simpson
- USDA Agricultural Research Service, Jamie Whitten Delta States Research Center, 141 Experiment Station Road, Stoneville, MS 38776, USA
| | - Sergey Koren
- Genome Informatics Section, Computational and Statistical Genomics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20894, USA
| | - J. Spencer Johnston
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Kosuke Kataoka
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Waseda University, 2-2 TWIns #02C214, Wakamatsu-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8480, Japan
| | - Keigo Ide
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Waseda University, 2-2 TWIns #02C214, Wakamatsu-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8480, Japan
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11
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Belluco S, Bertola M, Montarsi F, Di Martino G, Granato A, Stella R, Martinello M, Bordin F, Mutinelli F. Insects and Public Health: An Overview. INSECTS 2023; 14:240. [PMID: 36975925 PMCID: PMC10059202 DOI: 10.3390/insects14030240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Insects are, by far, the most common animals on our planet. The ubiquity and plethora of ecological niches occupied by insects, along with the strict and sometimes forced coexistence between insects and humans, make insects a target of public health interest. This article reports the negative aspects historically linked to insects as pests and vectors of diseases, and describes their potential as bioindicators of environmental pollution, and their use as food and feed. Both negative and positive impacts of insects on human and animal health need to be addressed by public health professionals who should aim to strike a balance within the wide range of sometimes conflicting goals in insect management, such as regulating their production, exploiting their potential, protecting their health and limiting their negative impact on animals and humans. This requires increased insect knowledge and strategies to preserve human health and welfare. The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of traditional and emerging topics bridging insects and public health to highlight the need for professionals, to address these topics during their work. The present and future role and activities of public health authorities regarding insects are analyzed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michela Bertola
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell’Università 10, 35020 Legnaro, Italy
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12
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Kaczor M, Bulak P, Proc-Pietrycha K, Kirichenko-Babko M, Bieganowski A. The Variety of Applications of Hermetia illucens in Industrial and Agricultural Areas-Review. BIOLOGY 2022; 12:25. [PMID: 36671718 PMCID: PMC9855018 DOI: 10.3390/biology12010025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Hermetia illucens (Diptera: Stratiomyidae, Linnaeus, 1978), commonly known as the black soldier fly (BSF), is a saprophytic insect, which in recent years has attracted significant attention from both the scientific community and industry. The unrestrained appetite of the larvae, the ability to forage on various organic waste, and the rapid growth and low environmental impact of its breeding has made it one of the insect species bred on an industrial scale, in the hope of producing fodder or other ingredients for various animals. The variety of research related to this insect has shown that feed production is not the only benefit of its use. H. illucens has many features and properties that could be of interest from the point of view of many other industries. Biomass utilization, chitin and chitosan source, biogas, and biodiesel production, entomoremediation, the antimicrobial properties of its peptides, and the fertilizer potential of its wastes, are just some of its potential uses. This review brings together the work of four years of study into H. illucens. It summarizes the current state of knowledge and introduces the characteristics of this insect that may be helpful in managing its breeding, as well as its use in agro-industrial fields. Knowledge gaps and under-studied areas were also highlighted, which could help identify future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Kaczor
- Institute of Agrophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Doświadczalna 4, 20-290 Lublin, Poland
| | - Piotr Bulak
- Institute of Agrophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Doświadczalna 4, 20-290 Lublin, Poland
| | - Kinga Proc-Pietrycha
- Institute of Agrophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Doświadczalna 4, 20-290 Lublin, Poland
| | - Marina Kirichenko-Babko
- Institute of Agrophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Doświadczalna 4, 20-290 Lublin, Poland
- Schmalhausen Institute of Zoology, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, B. Khmelnitsky 15, 01030 Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Andrzej Bieganowski
- Institute of Agrophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Doświadczalna 4, 20-290 Lublin, Poland
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13
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Zhou Y, Wang D, Zhou S, Duan H, Guo J, Yan W. Nutritional Composition, Health Benefits, and Application Value of Edible Insects: A Review. Foods 2022; 11:3961. [PMID: 36553703 PMCID: PMC9777846 DOI: 10.3390/foods11243961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
For thousands of years, edible insects have been used as food to alleviate hunger and improve malnutrition. Some insects have also been used as medicines because of their therapeutic properties. This is not only due to the high nutritional value of edible insects, but more importantly, the active substances from edible insects have a variety of biofunctional activities. In this paper, we described and summarized the nutritional composition of edible insects and discussed the biological functions of edible insects and their potential benefits for human health. A summary analysis of the findings for each active function confirms that edible insects have the potential to develop functional foods and medicines that are beneficial to humans. In addition, we analyzed the issues that need to be considered in the application of edible insects and the current status of edible insects in food and pharmaceutical applications. We concluded with a discussion of regulations related to edible insects and an outlook on future research and applications of edible insects. By analyzing the current state of research on edible insects, we aim to raise awareness of the use of edible insects to improve human health and thus promote their better use and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaxi Zhou
- College of Biochemical Engineering, Beijing Union University, No.18, Chaoyang District 3, Futou, Beijing 100023, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functional Food, College of Biochemical Engineering, Beijing Union University, 197 North Tucheng West Road, Beijing 100023, China
| | - Diandian Wang
- College of Biochemical Engineering, Beijing Union University, No.18, Chaoyang District 3, Futou, Beijing 100023, China
| | - Shiqi Zhou
- College of Biochemical Engineering, Beijing Union University, No.18, Chaoyang District 3, Futou, Beijing 100023, China
| | - Hao Duan
- College of Biochemical Engineering, Beijing Union University, No.18, Chaoyang District 3, Futou, Beijing 100023, China
| | - Jinhong Guo
- College of Biochemical Engineering, Beijing Union University, No.18, Chaoyang District 3, Futou, Beijing 100023, China
| | - Wenjie Yan
- College of Biochemical Engineering, Beijing Union University, No.18, Chaoyang District 3, Futou, Beijing 100023, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functional Food, College of Biochemical Engineering, Beijing Union University, 197 North Tucheng West Road, Beijing 100023, China
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14
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Duffield KR, Foquet B, Stasko JA, Hunt J, Sadd BM, Sakaluk SK, Ramirez JL. Induction of Multiple Immune Signaling Pathways in Gryllodes sigillatus Crickets during Overt Viral Infections. Viruses 2022; 14:v14122712. [PMID: 36560716 PMCID: PMC9786821 DOI: 10.3390/v14122712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite decades of focus on crickets (family: Gryllidae) as a popular commodity and model organism, we still know very little about their immune responses to microbial pathogens. Previous studies have measured downstream immune effects (e.g., encapsulation response, circulating hemocytes) following an immune challenge in crickets, but almost none have identified and quantified the expression of immune genes during an active pathogenic infection. Furthermore, the prevalence of covert (i.e., asymptomatic) infections within insect populations is becoming increasingly apparent, yet we do not fully understand the mechanisms that maintain low viral loads. In the present study, we measured the expression of several genes across multiple immune pathways in Gryllodes sigillatus crickets with an overt or covert infection of cricket iridovirus (CrIV). Crickets with overt infections had higher relative expression of key pathway component genes across the Toll, Imd, Jak/STAT, and RNAi pathways. These results suggests that crickets can tolerate low viral infections but can mount a robust immune response during an overt CrIV infection. Moreover, this study provides insight into the immune strategy of crickets following viral infection and will aid future studies looking to quantify immune investment and improve resistance to pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin R. Duffield
- National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, Crop BioProtection Research Unit, USDA-ARS, 1815 N. University St., Peoria, IL 61604, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Bert Foquet
- School of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University, Normal, IL 61761, USA
| | - Judith A. Stasko
- Microscopy Services Laboratory, National Animal Disease Center, USDA-ARS, Ames, IA 50010, USA
| | - John Hunt
- School of Science, Western Sydney University, Hawkesbury Campus, Richmond, NSW 2753, Australia
| | - Ben M. Sadd
- School of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University, Normal, IL 61761, USA
| | - Scott K. Sakaluk
- School of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University, Normal, IL 61761, USA
| | - José L. Ramirez
- National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, Crop BioProtection Research Unit, USDA-ARS, 1815 N. University St., Peoria, IL 61604, USA
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15
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Ros-Baró M, Casas-Agustench P, Díaz-Rizzolo DA, Batlle-Bayer L, Adrià-Acosta F, Aguilar-Martínez A, Medina FX, Pujolà M, Bach-Faig A. Edible Insect Consumption for Human and Planetary Health: A Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:11653. [PMID: 36141915 PMCID: PMC9517137 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191811653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
This systematic review aimed to examine the health outcomes and environmental impact of edible insect consumption. Following PRISMA-P guidelines, PubMed, Medline ProQuest, and Cochrane Library databases were searched until February 2021. Twenty-five articles met inclusion criteria: twelve animal and six human studies (randomized, non-randomized, and crossover control trials), and seven studies on sustainability outcomes. In animal studies, a supplement (in powdered form) of 0.5 g/kg of glycosaminoglycans significantly reduced abdominal and epididymal fat weight (5-40% and 5-24%, respectively), blood glucose (10-22%), and total cholesterol levels (9-10%), and a supplement of 5 mg/kg chitin/chitosan reduced body weight (1-4%) and abdominal fat accumulation (4%) versus control diets. In other animal studies, doses up to 7-15% of edible insect inclusion level significantly improved the live weight (9-33%), reduced levels of triglycerides (44%), cholesterol (14%), and blood glucose (8%), and increased microbiota diversity (2%) versus control diet. In human studies, doses up to 7% of edible insect inclusion level produced a significant improvement in gut health (6%) and reduction in systemic inflammation (2%) versus control diets and a significant increase in blood concentrations of essential and branched-chain amino acids and slowing of digestion (40%) versus whey treatment. Environmental indicators (land use, water footprint, and greenhouse gas emissions) were 40-60% lower for the feed and food of edible insects than for traditional animal livestock. More research is warranted on the edible insect dose responsible for health effects and on environmental indicators of edible insects for human nutrition. This research demonstrates how edible insects can be an alternative protein source not only to improve human and animal nutrition but also to exert positive effects on planetary health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Ros-Baró
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Open University of Catalonia (UOC), 08018 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Patricia Casas-Agustench
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Open University of Catalonia (UOC), 08018 Barcelona, Spain
- School of Health Professions, Faculty of Health, University of Plymouth, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK
| | - Diana Alícia Díaz-Rizzolo
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Open University of Catalonia (UOC), 08018 Barcelona, Spain
- Primary Healthcare Transversal Research Group, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08018 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Batlle-Bayer
- UNESCO Chair in Life Cycle and Climate Change ESCI-UPF, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Alícia Aguilar-Martínez
- Food Lab Research Group (2017SGR 83), Faculty of Health Sciences, Open University of Catalonia (UOC), 08018 Barcelona, Spain
- Unesco Chair on Food, Culture and Development, Open University of Catalonia (UOC), 08018 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francesc-Xavier Medina
- Food Lab Research Group (2017SGR 83), Faculty of Health Sciences, Open University of Catalonia (UOC), 08018 Barcelona, Spain
- Unesco Chair on Food, Culture and Development, Open University of Catalonia (UOC), 08018 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Montserrat Pujolà
- Faculty of Agri-Food Engineering and Biotechnology, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya BarcelonaTech, 08860 Castelldefels, Spain
| | - Anna Bach-Faig
- Food Lab Research Group (2017SGR 83), Faculty of Health Sciences, Open University of Catalonia (UOC), 08018 Barcelona, Spain
- Food and Nutrition Area, Barcelona Official College of Pharmacists, 08009 Barcelona, Spain
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16
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Turck D, Bohn T, Castenmiller J, De Henauw S, Hirsch‐Ernst KI, Maciuk A, Mangelsdorf I, McArdle HJ, Naska A, Pelaez C, Pentieva K, Siani A, Thies F, Tsabouri S, Vinceti M, Cubadda F, Frenzel T, Heinonen M, Marchelli R, Neuhäuser‐Berthold M, Poulsen M, Prieto Maradona M, Schlatter JR, van Loveren H, Ververis E, Knutsen HK. Safety of frozen and freeze-dried formulations of the lesser mealworm ( Alphitobius diaperinus larva) as a Novel food pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283. EFSA J 2022; 20:e07325. [PMID: 35814920 PMCID: PMC9251881 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2022.7325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens (NDA) was asked to deliver an opinion on frozen and dried formulations from whole lesser mealworm (Alphitobius diaperinus larva) as a novel food (NF) pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283. The term lesser mealworm refers to the larval form of the insect species Alphitobius diaperinus. The NF comprises the frozen and freeze-dried formulations of the lesser mealworm as whole or in the form of a paste or powder. Apart from water in the frozen formulations (whole, paste), the main components of the NF are crude protein and fat, besides smaller amounts of digestible carbohydrates and fibre (chitin). The Panel notes that the levels of contaminants in the NF depend on the concentration of such substances in the insect feed. The Panel notes furthermore that the true protein levels in the NF are overestimated when using the nitrogen-to-protein conversion factor of 6.25, due to the presence of non-protein nitrogen from chitin. The applicant proposed to use the NF formulations added as an ingredient to various food products such as cereal bars, pasta, meat imitates and bakery products. The target population is the general population. Additionally, the applicant proposed to use the NF as a food supplement in adults. The Panel notes that, considering that the NF will not be the sole source of dietary protein, and the composition of the NF and the proposed conditions of use, the consumption of the NF is not nutritionally disadvantageous. The submitted subchronic 90-day toxicity study with the NF as testing material did not raise safety concerns. The Panel considers that the consumption of the NF may induce primary sensitisation and allergic reactions to lesser mealworm proteins and may cause allergic reactions in subjects with allergy to crustaceans and dust mites. Additionally, allergens from the feed may end up in the NF. Allergenicity aside, the Panel concludes that the NF is safe under the proposed uses and use levels.
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17
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Hernández-Pelegrín L, Llopis-Giménez Á, Crava CM, Ortego F, Hernández-Crespo P, Ros VID, Herrero S. Expanding the Medfly Virome: Viral Diversity, Prevalence, and sRNA Profiling in Mass-Reared and Field-Derived Medflies. Viruses 2022; 14:v14030623. [PMID: 35337030 PMCID: PMC8955247 DOI: 10.3390/v14030623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly), Ceratitis capitata, is an agricultural pest of a wide range of fruits. The advent of high-throughput sequencing has boosted the discovery of RNA viruses infecting insects. In this article, we aim to characterize the RNA virome and viral sRNA profile of medfly. By means of transcriptome mining, we expanded the medfly RNA virome to 13 viruses, including two novel positive ssRNA viruses and the first two novel dsRNA viruses reported for medfly. Our analysis across multiple laboratory-reared and field-collected medfly samples showed the presence of a core RNA virome comprised of Ceratitis capitata iflavirus 2 and Ceratitis capitata negev-like virus 1. Furthermore, field-collected flies showed a higher viral diversity in comparison to the laboratory-reared flies. Based on the small RNA sequencing, we detected small interfering RNAs mapping to all the viruses present in each sample, except for Ceratitis capitata nora virus. Although the identified RNA viruses do not cause obvious symptoms in medflies, the outcome of their interaction may still influence the medfly’s fitness and ecology, becoming either a risk or an opportunity for mass-rearing and SIT applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Hernández-Pelegrín
- Department of Genetics and University Institute of Biotechnology and Biomedicine (BIOTECMED), Universitat de València, 46100 Valencia, Spain; (L.H.-P.); (Á.L.-G.); (C.M.C.)
- Laboratory of Virology, Wageningen University and Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands;
| | - Ángel Llopis-Giménez
- Department of Genetics and University Institute of Biotechnology and Biomedicine (BIOTECMED), Universitat de València, 46100 Valencia, Spain; (L.H.-P.); (Á.L.-G.); (C.M.C.)
| | - Cristina Maria Crava
- Department of Genetics and University Institute of Biotechnology and Biomedicine (BIOTECMED), Universitat de València, 46100 Valencia, Spain; (L.H.-P.); (Á.L.-G.); (C.M.C.)
| | - Félix Ortego
- Department of Microbial and Plant Biotechnology, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, CSIC, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (F.O.); (P.H.-C.)
| | - Pedro Hernández-Crespo
- Department of Microbial and Plant Biotechnology, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, CSIC, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (F.O.); (P.H.-C.)
| | - Vera I. D. Ros
- Laboratory of Virology, Wageningen University and Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands;
| | - Salvador Herrero
- Department of Genetics and University Institute of Biotechnology and Biomedicine (BIOTECMED), Universitat de València, 46100 Valencia, Spain; (L.H.-P.); (Á.L.-G.); (C.M.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-963-54-30-06
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