Olfactory attraction of Hermetia illucens (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) to three organic substrates
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51372/bioagro383.11Keywords:
Bioconversion, black soldier fly, decomposers, volatile organic compounds, waste managementAbstract
Improper disposal of organic waste is a major source of environmental contamination in developing countries. Technologies based on the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens, Diptera: Stratiomyidae) offer an efficient solution for the decomposition of biodegradable waste; however, optimizing oviposition remains a key challenge. This study aimed to evaluate the olfactory attraction of H. illucens adults toward three different substrates: fermented lettuce, fermented milk, and acetic acid, using a Y-tube dual-choice olfactometer. Significant attraction was observed toward fermented lettuce (64.3 %) and acetic acid (69.1 %) compared with the control treatment. In contrast, fermented milk did not elicit a significant attraction response (55 %). These findings highlight the potential of volatile compounds emitted by specific substrates to improve oviposition efficiency in controlled rearing systems, thereby contributing to more sustainable waste bioconversion processes.
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