The aim of this study was to investigate the chemical composition of powdered mealworm larvae ( Tenebrio molitor L.) reared on different nutritional substrates. Wheat bran was used as the control substrate, while, barley (whole grain), oats (whole grain), oats and barley whole grain mixture...

Insects are of great interest as novel sources of alternative proteins and biologically active compounds, primarily anticancer agents. Protein-rich insect larval hemolymph is a prospective candidate for pharmaceutical and food industry-related research. In this study, selected biochemical properties and cell toxicity of larval hemolymph from two mealworm species, Tenebrio molitor and Zophobas morio, were analyzed. Total proteins and carbohydrates, antioxidant capacity, and the level of lipid peroxidation were determined. Human cancer (U-87) and normometabolic (MRC-5) cells were treated with different concentrations of larval hemolymph proteins, and the effects on cell viability were assayed 24, 48, and 72 h after treatments. Z. morio hemolymph was shown to be richer in total proteins, showing a higher antioxidant capacity and lipid peroxidation level than T. molitor hemolymph, which was richer in total carbohydrates. Cytotoxicity assays showed that T. molitor and Z. morio hemolymphs differently affect the viability of U-87 and MRC-5 cells in cell type-, dose-, and time-dependent manners. Hemolymph from both species was more cytotoxic to U-87 cells than to MRC-5 cells, which was particularly prominent after 48 h. Additionally, a more potent cytotoxic effect of Z. morio hemolymph was observed on both cell lines, likely due to its higher antioxidant capacity, compared to T. molitor hemolymph.

Tenebrio molitor is an easily obtained highly nutritional alternative source of protein in animal feed. To get good results in growth performance and nutritional composition, it is necessary to know the diet digestibility and dietary needs of T. molitor. In the experimental condition, the T. molitor was fed with wheat bran and oat flakes, two easily accessible diets on the local market at an acceptable price. Both groups (four replicates each) of T. molitor were fed the same diet weekly (25 g of feed and water were supplied through agar). The production parameters such as feed conversion, intake of feed, and growth during the whole experimental period were observed. At the same time, the digestibility study was performed to obtain the coefficient of digestibility of the dry matter, organic matter, ash, crude protein, crude fat, neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF), and hemicelluloses. For both diets, the growth parameters were relatively similar having been slightly better for the oat flakes. The feed conversion ratio for wheat bran and oat flakes was 2.16 and 2.00, with growth per unit average of 46.37 g and 50.30 g respectively. The digestibility trial showed much better digestibility of oat flakes with the average digestibility coefficient of dry matter of 0.78, organic matter 0.80, crude protein 0.46, and crude fat 0.85. The digestibility of wheat bran was for dry matter 0.50, organic matter 0.51, crude protein 0.33, and crude fat 0.88. Both diets can be successfully used for the nutritional needs of T. molitor, however, using the oat flakes gives better growth performance and digestibility results. The choice of the diet will depend on the costs at the moment.

To maximize protein production from insects, it is essential to understand their nutritional requirements, production characteristics, and the chemical properties of the resulting feed, along with how these factors depend on the insects’ diets. This research involved the use of nine different insect diets, all based on wheat bran. Corn and soybean meal were included to enhance the energy and protein content. The weight gain of larvae was significantly affected by the level of protein in their feed; however, the energy level did not have a significant impact on the weight gain measured in grams per day per tray. This gain ranged from 0.57 g/day per tray for insects fed low-energy, low-protein diets to 0.71 g/day per tray for those fed high-protein, medium-energy diets. Feed conversion ranged from 1.83 to 2.34 and was significantly influenced by energy and protein levels. The chemical composition of reared insects showed significant differences, particularly in fat content. The fat content ranged from 38.5% with a low-protein diet to just 26.9% with a high-protein diet. In contrast to fat content, the variability in protein content was smaller, ranging from 44.8% in a low-protein, high-energy diet to 51.9% in a high-protein, high-energy diet.

Pollination by insects is vital for global agriculture, with honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) being the most important pollinators. Honey bees are exposed to numerous stressors, including disease, pesticides, and inadequate nutrition, resulting in significant colony losses. This study investigates the use of drone brood to mitigate these problems. Drone brood, which is normally discarded during varroa mite (Varroa destructor, Anderson and Trueman) management, is rich in proteins, fats, and essential minerals. We compared drone brood with an already suggested pollen supplement (Tenebrio [Tenebrio molitor L.] flour). The results indicate that drone brood flour is a viable source of proteins, fats, and minerals and is potentially antimicrobial due to its high content of elements with known antimicrobial properties. It meets the nutritional needs of honey bees while mitigating the effects of varroa mites. The use of drone brood flour can provide high-quality beeswax, surplus of pollen, and improve bee health, which promotes sustainable beekeeping.

Bark and ambrosia beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) are major pests of agricultural and forest systems and include some species which attack hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) as well. Although hazelnut cultivation is increasingly threatened by insect and mite pests, yet little is known about how management practices can reduce infestations. This study investigated bark and ambrosia beetles in hazelnut orchards from two highly productive areas: Viterbo district (central Italy) and Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti region (Republic of Georgia). Three phytosanitary management strategies were compared across 2023–2024: Integrated Pest Management, organic farming, and renaturalised orchards. Monitoring also evaluated three ethanol-baited trap designs: three designs in Italy (handmade red funnel [BR] and bottle [TT] and commercial multi-funnel [MF]) and only TT in Georgia. Anisandrus dispar, Hypothenemus eruditus, Xyleborinus saxesenii, and Xylosandrus germanus were detected in both countries, while Xyleborus monographus occurred only in Italy. Xyleborinus saxesenii was the dominant species in both regions. Beetle populations differed among management strategies, being lowest in organic orchards and highest in integrated and renaturalised systems. Trap performance also varied, with BR consistently outperforming commercial MF. These findings highlight the influence of management and monitoring tools on scolytine populations, offering practical insights for sustainable hazelnut production.