Utilization of Rearing Residue of The Peach Fruit Fly, Bactrocera zonata for Breeding the Yellow Mealworm, Tenebrio molitor

Hassan, Reda S.; Sileem, Thanaa M.; Sayed, Waheed A.A.

doi:10.21608/eajbsa.2024.345954

Utilization of Rearing Residue of The Peach Fruit Fly, Bactrocera zonata for Breeding the Yellow Mealworm, Tenebrio molitor

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Biological Applications Department, Nuclear Research Canter, Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority, Cairo, Egypt

10.21608/eajbsa.2024.345954

Abstract

Valorisation of rearing residue of peach fruit flies (PFF) Bactrocera zonata into high-value products by yellow mealworm (YMW) Tenebrio molitor could consider a sustainable strategy for developing the PFF management using Sterile Insect Technique (SIT). Different ratios of PFF rearing residue (PF) in substantial amounts of hen feed (HF) were used for rearing YMW larvae. The quality control and performance parameters of YMW were assessed. It was noticed that the feeding trials resulted from promising body mass as compared to the control treatment (hen feed). While no progeny of YMW adult was produced when fed on PF 1 diet (100 % rearing residue). Larval and pupal duration of YMW was insignificantly prolonged when reared on PF3 and PF4 diets that contained 50 and 25 % rearing residue, respectively as compared to the HF diet (control). All experimental diets exhibited high rates of pupal production; however, the pupal yields were desirable during larval survival. High percentages of food consumed and food assumed to be assimilated by YMW larvae fed on PF4. There were no significant differences were recorded in the live and dry weight gain of YMW larvae fed on PF4 and HF. Our findings suggest that PFF rearing residue was effective dietary for YMW and could significantly diminish the SIT cost and environmental savings.

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