PI(s)

Dr. Jeffery K. Tomberlin, Department of Entomology, TAMU;

Dr. Christine J. Picard, Department of Biology, IUI;

Dr. Heather R. Jordan, Department of Biology, Mississippi State University

Researchers

Erin Harris, PhD Candidate, TAMU; Hector Rosche-Flores, Graduate Student, IUI; Jordan Smink, PhD Candidate, MSU

Summary

Project creates searchable database of insect research to address challenges of information access for academics and industry. Provides a monthly Seminar Series highlighting relevant research.

Output

IAB members now have access to a comprehensive digital literature library of both research and symposia recordings!

PI(s)

Dr. Christine J. Picard, Department of Biology, IUI;

Researchers

Hector Rosche Flores (IUI), TBA (IUI)

Summary

The project aims to characterize the genetic diversity of black soldier fly, cricket and mealworm across industry and wild sample representations, validate gene predictions, and generate standard operating procedures for the genetic modifications of BSF, cricket and mealworm.

Output

Sequence Data, diversity estimates, SOPs

PI

Del Gatlin (TAMU), Co-PI: (KSU)

Researchers

Dr. Pedro Carvalho, TAMU;

Dr. Waldemar Rossi, Assistant Research Professor, Kentucky State University

Summary

Black soldier fly larvae meal enriched with lauric acid shows promise as a natural way to prevent diseases in shrimp and other aquaculture species, potentially saving billions in disease control costs.

Output

Peer-reviewed manuscripts and Industry presentations.

PI

Giri Athrey (TAMU)

Researchers

TBD

PI(s)

Heather Jordan (MSU), Co-PIs: Spencer Behmer (TAMU), Jeff Tomberlin (TAMU), Christine Picard (IUPUI)

Researchers

Hunter Walt (MSU), Jordan Smink (MSU), Hector Rosche-Flores (IUPUI)

Output

Phenotypic data, microbial transcriptomics, insect transcriptomics

PI

Dr. Dmitry Vedenov, Department of Agriculturall Economics, TAMU

Researchers

Tong Xiao, TAMU

Summary

This project assesses frass's economic potential by comparing it to existing products, aiding CEIF stakeholders in accurately positioning and valuing frass in the market.

Output

Interactive Excel workbook to be made available to the IAB members

PI

Dr. Shankar Ganapathi Shanmugam, Agronomy - Soil Microbiology, Mississippi State University

Co-PI

Dr. Jagman Dhillon, Agronomy - Corn, Mississippi State University

Researchers

Jasmine Sahota, MSU

Summary

This study explores how insect frass, a byproduct of industrial insect rearing, can benefit crops as a biofertilizer. By analyzing the link between insect populations and frass's impact on soil microbes and nutrients, the research aims to optimize frass use for sustainable and cost-effective agriculture. It lays the groundwork for future field studies and sheds light on the crucial role of microbes in the frass-plant interaction.

Output

This project explores insect frass as a biofertilizer, studying its impact on soil microbes and key functions like nutrient cycling and plant growth. The goal is to optimize its use for sustainable and cost-effective agriculture.

PI(s)

Jeff Tomberlin, Co-PIs: Heather Jordan (MSU), Christine Picard (IUPUI)

Students Students/Personnel: Noah Lemke

Researchers

Summary

Output

PI(s)

Dr. Florencia Meyer, Animal Viruses, Mississippi State University

Dr. Federico Hoffmann, Bioinformatics, Mississippi State University

Researchers

TBD

Summary

Project uses powerful gene sequencing to analyze insect viruses in mass-rearing, seeking links between their presence and insect performance. This will inform better management practices and prepare for potential outbreaks.

Output

Sequence data, SOPs for virus discovery, cell culture methodologies

PI(s)

Dr. Delbert Gatlin, Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology, TAMU

Dr. Jeffrey Tomberlin, Department of Entomology, TAMU

Researchers

Dr. Pedro Carvalho and Tara McNeil, TAMU

Summary

Project aims to convert aquaculture waste into valuable fish feed by using black soldier fly larvae, aiming to reduce waste and create sustainable alternatives to fishmeal and fish oil.

Output

Our research data will be published in a journal, presented at CEIF meetings, and potentially at conferences, after analysis in an Excel file.

PI

Dr. Frédérique Deiss, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, IUI

Researchers

TBD

Summary

This project focuses on developing new methods for detecting key molecules in insect farming, including amino acids and food safety-related analytes. It will initially prove potential with chosen amino acids, then move to industry-relevant food safety targets. After successful lab tests, the methods will be applied to real-world samples and assessed for their environmental impact compared to existing methods.

Output

Project will develop new, environmentally friendly electrochemical methods to detect important molecules in insect farming, including amino acids and food safety markers. The methods will be tested in the lab and with real-world samples, with final assessment of their effectiveness and environmental impact.

PI(s)

Dr. Elena Castell-Perez, Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, TAMU;

Dr. Rosana Moreira, Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, TAMU;

Dr Jeffery K. Tomberlin, Department of Entomology, TAMU

Researchers

TBD

Summary

This project assesses a BSFL flour production technology by measuring its safety, quality, and consumer acceptance. By ensuring minimal impact on insect protein quality, it helps IAB members decide if adopting or promoting the technology is beneficial.

Output

Data generated will result in publications and research presentations.

PI(s)

Dr. Heather R. Jordan, Mississippi State University Department of Biological Sciences;

Dr. Christine Picard, Department of Biology IUI;

Dr. Jeffery K. Tomberlin, Department of Entomology, TAMU

Researchers

TBD

Summary

Project studies how different food substrates impact the health, development, and nutrition of mass-produced insects using advanced analysis. This will help improve insect performance, health, and productivity by understanding the interactions between insects and their gut microbes. It can also lead to better diagnostics for insect diseases.

Output

Sequence Data, diversity estimates, SOPs

PI(s)

Dr. Jeffery K. Tomberlin, Department of Entomology, TAMU;

Dr. Christine J. Picard, Department of Biology, IUI;

Dr. Heather R. Jordan, Department of Biology, Mississippi State University

Researchers

N/A

Summary

Given the understanding of behavioral complexity within the black soldier fly rests on a foundation that includes only one published research paper, efforts are needed to ensure that current cage design effectively provides for efficient, precise, and predictable fertile egg production, else other alternatives might need to be explored.

Black Soldier Fly Research Priorities:

1. Improve Egg Production: Redesigning black soldier fly (BSF) breeding enclosures to maximize efficient, predictable egg production, considering their complex behavior.

2. Understand Mating: Studying BSF's under-researched mating behavior to address potential risks of accidental mixing with wild populations.

3. Gut Microbiome: Identifying key microbes in wild vs. facility-raised BSF to develop probiotics or other biotechnologies influencing health and behavior.

4. Genetics: Enhancing insect antimicrobial properties by selectively modifying their genes.

Output

We anticipate publishing a study in a refereed journal as well as presenting data at conferences including the CEIF.