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Optimizing black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae development for valorizing olive pomace and brewery waste: harvesting points and feeding conditions

R. Picco,Sofia Zurueta,F. C. Spanevello,Florencia Mellia,R. H. Marin,A. Luna

Published 2025 in Journal of Insects as Food and Feed

ABSTRACT

In the context of increasing agro-industrial waste and the need for sustainable resource management, black soldier fly (BSF), Hermetia illucens L. (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) larvae have emerged as promising bioconverters of organic byproducts. This study evaluated the effects of two distinct substrates, brewery waste (BB) and olive pomace (OP), on larval growth, survival, substrate reduction (SR), and efficiency of conversion of digested food (ECDF) to determine optimal feeding conditions and harvesting points for targeted biomass production. BSF larvae were reared under controlled environmental conditions and fed with four different doses of each substrate. Larval performance was assessed by measuring weight gain, daily weight gain (DWG), survival rates, and analysing the chemical composition of both the larvae and the resulting frass. Results showed that larvae reared on BB exhibited significantly higher weight gain, DWG, and protein content compared to those fed OP ( ), suggesting that the high-protein content of BB supports rapid growth and protein-rich biomass formation. Conversely, OP-fed larvae accumulated higher lipid levels, making them potentially more suitable for applications requiring lipid-enriched biomass. Notably, while BB treatments reached a growth plateau at higher feeding doses, OP treatments demonstrated enhanced ECDF despite lower overall growth. These findings highlight the relevance of selecting appropriate substrates based on production goals, BB optimises protein-rich biomass, whereas OP enhances lipid accumulation and conversion efficiency, offering a practical approach to tailoring BSF larvae rearing strategies for sustainable waste valorisation.

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