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Bugs in Bugs: The Role of Probiotics and Prebiotics in Maintenance of Health in Mass-Reared Insects
I’m Carlotta Savio, ESR 13 in the Insect Doctor Program focusing on the effects of probiotic and diet composition on Tenebrio molitor performances in presence of entomopathogens.
The research project is mainly carried out at INRAE (FR) and Wageningen University (NL) with the involvement of the University of Copenhagen (DK).
First reflections on probiotics applications in mass reared insects ended in the publication of the review paper “Bugs in Bugs: The Role of Probiotics and Prebiotics in Maintenance of Health in Mass-Reared Insects” https://doi.org/10.3390/insects13040376
In the meantime, potential probiotic bacterial strains have been tested on Tenebrio molitor for assessing their effects on insect performance, immune responses and microbial community composition in optimal conditions andin presence of entomopathogens.
Questions related to the effects of probiotics provision and feed on insect chemical composition have been explored during the last research period spent in between the Laboratory of Entomology and the Food Quality Department at Wageningen University (NL).
Currently, I am writing down the output of the research and I am finding fascinating the importance of the role of the microbiota, especially mutualistic symbionts, on host health maintenance and food and feed quality.
If you want to know more about yellow mealworms symbionts.. with the review “Harmful and beneficial symbionts of Tenebrio molitor and their implications for disease management” we offer an overview on its symbionts, detection methods and possible strategies for preventing diseases in mass rearing systems.
https://doi.org/10.3920/JIFF2022.0171
Taking part of this program, discussing, learning and collaborating with the other “going to be” Insect Doctors is being a unique, inspiring and precious chance.
Follow me on twitter @carlottasavio1 for staying updated on my activities.