Unpacking the benefits of black soldier fly frass fertilizer towards nematode suppression and potato production
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Date
2025
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frontiers
Abstract
Potato production is hindered by soil degradation and nematode infestation.
Mineral fertilizers and synthetic nematicides are costly and cause negative
impacts on humans and the environment, while organic fertilizers are less
effective for soil health and nematode management. This study demonstrates
the contribution of black soldier fly frass fertilizer (BSFFF) in nematode
suppression and potato productivity when compared to commercial mineral
fertilizer, organic fertilizer (SAFI), and nematicide. The on-farm experiments
consisted of eight treatments: BSFFF, SAFI, BSFFF+5%chitin, NPK+nematicide,
50%BSFFF+50%NPK, 50%SAFI+50%NPK, 50%BSFFF+5% chitin+50%NPK, and
control (unfertilized soil). Results revealed that all fertilizer treatments
significantly increased potato growth, number of tubers (34 – 61%), and tuber
yield (20 – 72%) relative to the control. Application of BSFFF+5% chitin produced
9 – 28% higher tubers per plant compared to other treatments. Over 26% higher
tuber yield was achieved using BSFFF+5% chitin compared to NPK+nematicide
treatment. Soil amendment with BSFFF+5% chitin caused 5–35% higher
reduction in the number of cysts per 200 g soil-1 compared to NPK
+nematicide and SAFI treatments. The same treatment reduced the PCN
reproduction rate by 20% and 75% compared to NPK + nematicide and SAFI,
respectively. Both BSFFF and NPK+nematicide treatments achieved comparable
suppression of the number of eggs and infective juveniles (J2) per cyst-1 and eggs
g-1 of soil. However, BSFFF+5% chitin reduced the number of eggs and J2 per
cyst-1 and eggs g-1 of soil by 55–92% compared to SAFI. Our findings
demonstrate that chitin-fortified BSFFF can significantly contribute to potato
cyst nematode suppression and boost potato yields in smallholder farming...
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Anedo EO, Beesigamukama D, Mochoge B, Korir NK, Haukeland S, Cheseto X, Nyongesa M, Pwaipwai P, Subramanian S, Tenkouano A, Kibaara B and Tanga CM (2025) Unpacking the benefits of black soldier fly frass fertilizer towards nematode suppression and potato production. Front. Plant Sci. 16:1509643. doi: 10.3389/fpls.2025.1509643