This study introduces an innovative approach to sustainable biodiesel production using mussel shell-derived calcium oxide (CaO) as a catalyst for converting Jatropha curcas oil into biodiesel. By repurposing waste mussel shells, the research aims to provide an eco-friendly and cost-effective solution for environmentally responsible biodiesel production, aligning with global standards. The study involves characterizing the catalyst, optimizing reaction conditions, and achieving a remarkable 99.36% Fatty Acid Methyl Ester (FAME) yield, marking a significant step toward cleaner and more economically viable energy sources. Biodiesel, recognized for its lower emissions, is produced through transesterification using mussel shell-derived CaO as a sustainable catalyst. This research contributes to cleaner and economically viable energy sources, emphasizing the importance of sustainable energy solutions and responsible catalytic processes. This research bridges the gap between waste management, catalyst development, and sustainable energy production, contributing to the ongoing global shift towards cleaner and more economically viable energy sources.

Wolbachia are endosymbiotic bacteria found within many arthropods, including insects. A variety of benefits are provided by these bacteria to human and insect hosts, including protection from viruses and parasites and the ability to kill males. In this study, Wolbachia was identified in Aedes aegypti present in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. A population of mosquitoes was collected from eight different areas, processed, and tested for Wolbachia using 16 S rRNA specific to Wolbachia bacteria and Wolbachia surface protein (wsp) under optimized PCR conditions. In five ecologically diverse sites to determine Wolbachia prevalence, we identified eleven diverse novel resident Wolbachia strains within Ae. Aegypti for the first time in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Future studies to evaluate the possible use of Wolbachia as a control agent in Aedes sp. in Saudi Arabia are necessary. Wolbachia prevalence rates and strain characterization through Sanger sequencing with multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and phylogenetic analysis revealed significant diversity. In developing biocontrol strategies, it is beneficial to consider the implications of resident Wolbachia strains.

The maize crop is used as food for humans, livestock and poultries forms, it is also used in bread making, corn flakes, corn syrup, corn starch and corn oils. The field study consisted of one experimental trial, about the incidence of that insect pest complex on maize cultivar Azam during the Kharif season 2020 at the Agricultural, Research Station, Baffa, Mansehra. The trial was laid out in the Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD), and then it was divided into three replications. The result obtained from the trial showed that a number of the pest species were recorded during the experimental period; however, the population was noticed at a low level. The obtained insect species were corn leaf aphid (6.90 ± 5.5) per square inch, corn leafhopper (1.32 ± 0.63), maize stem borer (0.63 ± 0.29), corn flea beetle (0.43 ± 0.28), Thrips (0.38 ± 0.22), Hairy caterpillar (0.21 ± 0.22), Grasshopper (0.17 ± 0.11) and shoot fly (0.11 ± 0.08) throughout the season

The global population is predicted to reach 9.3 billion by 2050, increasing food production substantially and posing significant food security risks, particularly for low-income countries. The widening food security gap necessitates innovative, sustainable solutions. In response, promoting edible insects as a viable food source gained momentum, addressing malnutrition and food insecurity. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, one of the world's largest countries, has many edible insects. As a result of its unique challenges, Saudi Arabia explores insects as a vital source for enhancing food security, such as Crickets, Mealworms, Black Soldier Flies, Buffalo's, Grasshoppers, Ants, Silkworms, and Cicadas. The Kingdom's commitment to Vision 2030, focusing on sustainable development, underscores the importance of incorporating insects into agricultural processes and food manufacturing. Despite the promising nutritional benefits, challenges such as potential toxicity, pesticide residues, heavy metals, and allergic reactions require careful consideration. Collaborative efforts involving the public and private sectors, universities, and large-scale breeding laboratories are essential to realize the full potential of edible insects. This review article delves into the nutritional value of edible insect orders found in the Kingdom, examining protein, lipid, carbohydrate, nucleic acid, mineral, and vitamin content. The review emphasizes the need for extensive research to understand the nutritional composition of diverse insect species in Saudi Arabia.

The presence of mosquitoes in a certain area is sufficient evidence of the transmission of diseases, in addition to the inconvenience and harassment they cause to the population. In order for mosquito control to be successful, there must be sufficient reports and information about the extent of the distribution and spread of the mosquito in this area. This study was conducted seasonally to calculate the distribution and abundance of mosquitoes and to initially detect hepatitis C virus in the most abundant species collected in some localities: Kafr Saqr (Hanot, El-Kodah, Abo Shokok, El-Hagarsa); Abo Kebeer (Manshat Radwan, Bane Aiat, Al-Rahmania, Horbat); Diarb Negm (Safor, El-Asaied, Karmot Sahbara, Saft Zreka); and El-Zakazik (Om El-Zein, Bany Amer, Al-Zankalon, Shanbrt El-Mimona) along Sharkia Governorate. According to the results, 12 mosquito species belonging to two genera were recorded in four stations (16 sites). The species Culex pipiens was found to be the most abundant across the majority of locations. It is reaching its peak in Al-Zankalon with a maximum count of 139 ± 7.61 individuals. C. antennatus exhibited a significant level of abundance (p < 0.001), especially in Al-Rahmania (82.5 ± 4.3). Species such as C. perexiguus and An. pharoensis were found in moderate-to-low numbers. The prevailing species is C. pipiens in all locations and seasons, especially during the summer. Other species like C. antennatus and An. pharoensis are also important, although their significance is somewhat less pronounced. Clusters of sites with similar features indicate that specific locations or species exhibit consistent patterns of activity or abundance throughout several seasons. These clusters represent groups of locations that share similar characteristics, as determined by the principal components. The findings of detecting hepatitis C virus in C. pipiens (the most abundant species) collected samples showed negative results for the presence of HCV during the summer season in Sharkia Governorate.

Background: Providing ornamental fish (Carassius auratus), with nutritious and sustainable food sources is an increasingly important part of that process. Flesh flies (Sarcophaga spp.) have a high content of nutrient in their larval stage, which make their bodies grow quickly during their larval phase. Methods: The nutrient composition of Sarcophaga larvae and their effect as a feeding source on C. auratus growth during the process were studied. In a laboratory, Sarcophaga larvae were cultured on shrimp shells and C. auratus fed on Sarcophaga larvae were compared to C. auratus fed on commercial food. Result: Crude protein content of 52.5% was remarkably high, followed by crude lipid (30.2%), crude fibers (9.8%) and finally crude ash (7.5%). Our results showed also a significant improvement in growth performance of C. auratus fed on Sarcophaga larvae, with a median weight of 25.3 g compared with the control group (17.3 g) by the fourth week, indicating significant advantages for C. auratus fed on Sarcophaga larvae. In this study, Sarcophaga larvae are examined as a sustainable and nutritious source of food for C. auratus fish. Using insect larvae for aquaculture should be further refined and evaluated for long-term benefits and safety.