INFLUENCE OF CARROT AND CABBAGE DIET ON PRE-ADULT DEVELOPMENTAL RATE OF HERMITIA ILLUCENS

ABSTRACT

Black soldier fly (BSF; Hermetia illucens) is an insect native to tropical and high temperature regions. It is recognized for its unique ability to feed and grow on organic waste as a result of its decomposing ability. The study was carried out Entomological Laboratory at University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. The study examined the influence of Carrot and Cabbage diet on pre-adult developmental rate of Hermitia illucens. The effects of Carrot and Cabbage - waste diet on the developmental period, survival rate, weight gain, sex ratio and proximate analysis where the specific objectives. Three diets; Cabbage, Carrot and a mixture of both diets as control were used to feed Hermetia illucens larva, with weight gained recorded at the start and end of 15days, the setup was monitored for 60 days. The Mean developmental period, percentage survival and sex ratio of Hermetia illucens exhibited no significant difference, whereas there was significant difference in the weight gain of the carrot, 5.1, compared to the mixture and cabbage which had a difference of 2.29 and 1.75 respectively. The sex ratio of the carrot, cabbage and mixture were Male (M) 48% Female (F), 52%, Male (M) 51% Female (F) 49%, Male (M)52% Female (F)48%, respectively. Analysis of the result revealed that carrot Is a more suitable feed for rearing of Hermetia ilucens than Cabbage.