Innovative feedstocks for optimal mass production of the edible long-horned grasshopper, Ruspolia differens

Publication Type

Journal Article

Journal Name

Frontiers in Physiology

Name of Author

• Kababu Margaret, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology Nairobi
• Mweresa K. Collins, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology
• Sevgan Subramanian, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology Nairobi
• James P. Egonyu, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology Nairobi
• Dorothy Nakimbugwe, Makerere University
• Geoffrey Ssepuuya, Makerere University
• Nyamu Faith, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology Nairobi
• Sunday Ekesi, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology
• Chrysantus M. Tanga, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology Nairobi

Publication Date

11-9-2022

Abstract

The edible long-horned grasshopper Ruspolia differens Serville (Orthoptera:Tettigoniidae) is a highly nutritious food source consumed in over 20 African countries. Its occurrence is highly seasonal, and wild harvesting is carried out using locally designed and inefficient light traps, thus limiting sustainable utilization as an important food source. To ensure year-round production and availability of R. differens, we evaluated the effects of low-cost and affordable diets based on agricultural by-products on their growth performance, survival, fecundity, and longevity. A total of four diets with varying ratios of agricultural by-products were evaluated: Diet 1 [33.3% maize bran (MB) + 33.3% wheat bran (WB) + 33.3% Moringa oleifera leaf powder (MOLP)], Diet 2 [25% MB + 25% WB + 25% MOLP + 25% shrimp powder (SP)], Diet 3 [20% MB + 20% WB + 20% MOLP + 20% SP + 20% soya bean meal], and Diet 4 (“control”—routinely used diet). The grasshoppers were subjected to the diets from the 1st nymphal instar (24-h-old stages) through adult stages until death. Diet 3 had the highest crude protein content (28%) and digestibility (74.7%). R. differens fed Diet 3 had the shortest development time (57 days) [p < 0.001], highest survival (87%) [p < 0.001], and maximum longevity (89 days) [p = 0.015] and fecundity (247 eggs/female) [p = 0.549] across the various diets. Female survival rate (59%) on Diet 3 was significantly higher compared to the males (41%). The adult female weight gain was significantly higher compared to males fed on different diets. Percentage hatchability of eggs was not significantly different when females were fed Diet 3 and Diet 2. There was a significantly positive correlation between longevity and fecundity of R. differens reared on Diet 2 and 3. These diets could be further optimized and fine-tuned for improved cost-effective mass production of R. differens continent-wide to reduce dependence on erratic and poor seasonal harvest during swarms.

Keywords

edible grasshoppers, fecundity, food security, growth performance, low-cost artificial diets, Ruspolia differens

Recommended Citation

Margaret, K., Collins, M., Subramanian, S., Egonyu, J., Nakimbugwe, D., Ssepuuya, G., Faith, N., Ekesi, S., & Tanga, C. (2022). Innovative feedstocks for optimal mass production of the edible long-horned grasshopper, Ruspolia differens. Frontiers in Physiology, 13 https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2022.1015636

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.