Background:Aquaculture must continue to reduce dependence on fishmeal(FM)and fishoil in feeds to ensure sustainable sector growth.Therefore,the use of novel aquaculture feed ingredients is growing.In this regard,insec...Background:Aquaculture must continue to reduce dependence on fishmeal(FM)and fishoil in feeds to ensure sustainable sector growth.Therefore,the use of novel aquaculture feed ingredients is growing.In this regard,insects can represent a new world of sustainable and protein-rich ingredients for farmed fish feeds.Accordingly,we investigated the effects of full replacement of FM with Tenebrio molitor(TM)larvae meal in the diet of rainbow trout(Oncorhynchus mykiss)on fish gut and skin microbiota.Methods:A feeding trial was conducted with 126 trout of about 80 g mean initial weight that were fed for 22 weeks with two isonitrogenous,isolipidic,and isoenergetic extruded experimental diets.Partially defatted TM meal was included in one of the diets to replace 100%(TM 100)of FM,whereas the other diet(TM 0)was without TM.To analyse the microbial communities,the Illumina MiSeq platform for sequencing of 16S rRNA gene and Qiime pipeline were used to identify bacteria in the gut and skin mucosa,and in the diets.Results:The data showed no major effects of full FM substitution with TM meal on bacterial species richness and diversity in both,gut mucosa-and skin mucus-associated microbiome.Skin microbiome was dominated by phylum Proteobacteria and especially by Gammaproteobacteria class that constituted approximately half of the bacterial taxa found.The two dietary fish groups did not display distinctive features,except for a decrease in the relative abundance of Deefgea genus(family Neisseriaceae)in trout fed with insect meal.The metagenomic analysis of the gut mucosa indicated that Tenericutes was the most abundant phylum,regardless of the diet.Specifically,within this phylum,the Mollicutes,mainly represented by Mycoplasmataceae family,were the dominant class.However,we observed only a weak dietary modulation of intestinal bacterial communities.The only changes due to full FM replacement with TM meal were a decreased number of Proteobacteria and a reduced number of taxa assigned to Ruminococcaceae and Neisseriaceae families.Conclusions:The data demonstrated that TM larvae meal is a valid alternative animal protein to replace FM in the aquafeeds.Only slight gut and skin microbiota changes occurred in rainbow trout after total FM replacement with insect meal.The mapping of the trout skin microbiota represents a novel contribution of the present study.Indeed,in contrast to the increasing knowledge on gut microbiota,the skin microbiota of major farmed fish species remains largely unmapped but it deserves thorough consideration.展开更多
In order to reduce the economic costs for breeding Tenebrio molitor L. and increase the utilization rate of corn stalk, with corn, wheat bran and corn stalk as the raw materials, 13 different compound feed were design...In order to reduce the economic costs for breeding Tenebrio molitor L. and increase the utilization rate of corn stalk, with corn, wheat bran and corn stalk as the raw materials, 13 different compound feed were designed by Minitab (R) 15.1.0.0. The design was then divided into two groups based on addition or without addition of vegetable leaves to study the effects of compound feed and vegetable leaves on growth and de- velopment of T. molitor. The results showed that body weight, duration, crude protein content and pupation rate of larvae and emergence rate of adults were significantly affected by compound feed and vegetable leaves ( P 〈 0.05). The larvae bred with feed 5 had the largest body weight, with the shortest duration; the larvae bred with feed 3 had the highest pupation rate; the larvae bred with feed 7 had the highest crude protein content; the adult bred with feed 9 had the largest emergence rate. Overall breeding effect of feed 7 + vegetable leaves was better than any other groups, with ideal indicators, higher utilization rate and lower breeding cost. Its formula was w (wheat bran) = 33.33%, w (corn) = 33.33%, w (corn stalks) = 33.33%. Therefore, the growth of T. molitorwas significantly affected by feed types, and feed 7 + vegetable leaves could be promoted in the production.展开更多
Background The provision of environmental enrichments to Muscovy ducks could reduce the expression of the aggressive behaviors.The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of black soldier fly(BSF)and yell...Background The provision of environmental enrichments to Muscovy ducks could reduce the expression of the aggressive behaviors.The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of black soldier fly(BSF)and yellow mealworm(YM)live larva provision on Muscovy duck performance,excreta corticosterone metabolites(ECM),behavior,and blood parameters.Methods A total of 1263-day-old female Muscovy ducklings were allotted to 18 pens(6 replicates/treatment,7 birds/pen)and assigned to 3 experimental treatments:a control group fed commercial feed,and two experimental treatments fed commercial feed plus the 5%(based on the expected daily feed intake,as fed basis)of BSF and YM live larvae(BSF and YM groups,respectively).A two-phase feeding program was applied:starter(from 3 to 31 days of age)and grower-finisher(from 32 to 55 days of age).The live weight,average daily gain,average daily feed intake,and feed conversion ratio were calculated.Larva consumption times were collected,and video recordings were performed during 3 periods(P)each day:the hour before(P1),during(P2),and after(P3)the larva administration.ECM were evaluated at 3,31,and 55-day-old.Finally,the total red and white blood cell counts,serum proteins,lipids,and liver and renal function serum enzymes were evaluated on 12 birds/treatment.Results The experimental treatment did not affect the growth performance of the birds(P>0.05).Larva consumption times were always similar between the two insect species,except at 14–18 days of age,were BSF larvae were consumed faster than YM larvae(P<0.001).The birds showed less walking activity during P2,and preening behavior increased in YM birds during P3.The C birds increased the attack behavior over the weeks(P<0.05).During weeks 1–3 the YM group reduced the attack frequency(P1>P3;P<0.05).Finally,the provision of live BSF and YM larvae significantly reduced the ECM at 55 days of age and the heterophil to lymphocyte ratio(P<0.05).Conclusions Live BSF and YM larva supplementation in Muscovy duck improves duck welfare,without impairing birds'growth performance.展开更多
For centuries, insects have been used as food due to their availability and easiness in raising that is much less burdensome for environment than animal husbandry breeding. Mealworm (Tenebrio molitor L.) is a store-pe...For centuries, insects have been used as food due to their availability and easiness in raising that is much less burdensome for environment than animal husbandry breeding. Mealworm (Tenebrio molitor L.) is a store-pest of which larvae are consumed by people. The aim of the work was to determine the nutritional value of larvae of mealworm (Tenebrio molitor L.). The material was a three-month-old mealworm larva 25 -30 mmin length. Larvae were boiled for 3 min and next dried in 60℃. Contents of water, ash, minerals, protein, fat and fat acids profile have been determined. Fresh larvae contained 56% of water, 18% of total protein, 22% of total fat and 1.55% of ash. High contents of minerals were found in the larvae: magnesium (87.5 mg/100g), zinc (4.2 mg/100g), iron (3.8 mg/100g), copper (0.78 mg/100g) and manganese (0.44 mg/100g). The proportion of n-6/n-3 fatty acids was very advantageous and amounted to 6.76. Larvae powder contained twice higher content of protein, fat, ash and minerals. Larva of mealworm is a valuable source of nutrients in amounts more profitable for human organism than traditional meat food. Powdered larva is a high-grade product to be applied as a supplement to traditional meals.展开更多
Males and females often differ in their susceptibility and exposure to infection. Thus, they may also differ in their ability to avoid infection. The beetle, Tenebrio molitor, risks infection with cysticercoids when i...Males and females often differ in their susceptibility and exposure to infection. Thus, they may also differ in their ability to avoid infection. The beetle, Tenebrio molitor, risks infection with cysticercoids when ingesting rat feces containing eggs of the tapeworm, Hymenolepis diminuta. Previous studies demonstrated that beetles sometimes prefer infective feces suggesting that the tapeworm influences the foraging behavior of beetles. After recording beetle movement in an arena containing infective and uninfective feces for one hour, sex main effects were not significant, but the effect of sex asked in trials was significant for males. Specifically, more male beetles occurred on the uninfective bait than on the infective bait. This observation suggests that male beetles avoid infective feces, which decreases their probability of infection with H. diminuta. If the cost of infection is higher in males, then selection to avoid infective feces may act more strongly on males.展开更多
The role of insects in animal nutrition has been reconsidered during recent years,paving the way for an increasing market for edible insects.Their protein and amino acid balance make them a promising source of protein...The role of insects in animal nutrition has been reconsidered during recent years,paving the way for an increasing market for edible insects.Their protein and amino acid balance make them a promising source of protein for replacing high value proteins.Yellow mealworm,Tenebrio molitor L.(TM;Coleoptera:Tenebrionidae)larvae,have shown positive effects on broiler performance in several research studies and have a strong potential as a sustainable alternative protein source for monogastric animals.This study aimed to assess the effect of replacing various ratios of basal diets with T.molitor larvae on broiler performance as well as on several meat and welfare characteristics.For the study,120 one-day-old male chicks(Ross 308)were randomly allocated in 3 treatments and 4 replications(10 birds per pen).Birds of the control group(basal diet)were fed with typical commercial maize and soymeal-based rations in mash form.The other 2 groups were treated with the same diet,after replacing 5%and 10%with dried TM larvae,respectively.On d 35(end of trial),meat samples were collected and analysed.Body weight,feed intake,body weight gain and feed conversion ratio during the periods of 1 to 10 d(starter period),11 to 24 d(grower period),25 to 35 d(finisher period)and 1 to 35 d(total period)were assessed.Podo-dermatitis,diarrhoea,feather score and litter conditions were also assessed during the trial.The results indicated that TM larvae inclusion in the broilers'diet positively affected body weight gain values,as well as the carcass yield,the meat composition and various welfare traits.Additionally,the dietary treatments with TM larvae favourably affected meat composition and colour parameters,whereas there were also some positive effects on lipid and protein oxidation.Saturated fatty acids were decreased by the dietary supplementation whereas the polyunsaturated fatty acids to SFA ratio increased.In general,the study showed that whole TM larvae addition can provide a promising alternative to soybean meal in the diet of broilers,demonstrating a positive impact on growth,welfare and meat characteristics.展开更多
The ω-atracotoxin-Arlb toxin (ω-ACTX-Arl b) is one of the arthropod-selective peptide neurotoxins from the venom of Australian funnel-web spider Atrax robustus. The gene of Arlb was synthesized and cloned into pET...The ω-atracotoxin-Arlb toxin (ω-ACTX-Arl b) is one of the arthropod-selective peptide neurotoxins from the venom of Australian funnel-web spider Atrax robustus. The gene of Arlb was synthesized and cloned into pET-32a(+) vector to allow expression of Arlb as a fusion protein with thioredoxin and the His-tag (rTrx-Arlb) in E. coli BL21 (DE3). The optimal condition for inducing the expression ofrTrx-Arl b was 1.0 mmol L-1 IPTG for 6 h at 28℃. The fusion protein rTrx- Arlb was expressed in soluble form and was purified effectively by HisTrap HP affinity column and rpHLPC and a final yield of purified rTrx-Arlb was 95 mg from 1 000 mL E. coli culture. The LD50 values for Mythimna separate and Tenebrio molitor were 111.66 and 11.04 ug g-1 determined by injection of the purified rTrx-Arlb. The results indicated that the recombinant Arlb protein was successfully expressed in E. coli and it was high toxicity against tested insects.展开更多
The occurrence of entomopathogenic nematodes(EPNs)in arable soil samples from Nigeria was investigated using Baermann extraction tray and insect-bait(White’s trap)techniques.Isolates were tested for infectivity using...The occurrence of entomopathogenic nematodes(EPNs)in arable soil samples from Nigeria was investigated using Baermann extraction tray and insect-bait(White’s trap)techniques.Isolates were tested for infectivity using the larvae of Galleria mellonella(greater moth)and Tenebrio molitor(mealworm).The study revealed a new species of Heterorhabditis(MT371593)in soil samples that were randomly collected from an arable farmland cultivated with cassava TMS-30572 at the Teaching and Research Farm of Landmark University,Nigeria.Amplification of the internal transcribed spacer region(ITS)of the ribosomal DNA produced a nucleotide sequence of 933 base pairs(bp).A BLASTN search of GenBank showed that the sequence of the Nigerian isolate is identical at 99%similarity to that of Heterorhabditis sp.from Thailand.Infectivity test of the isolate showed 100%mortality against T.molitor larvae within 48 h of exposure while only 80%mortality was recorded for G.mellonella after 1 week of exposure.This is the first account of Heterorhabditis sp.in Nigeria.The varying degrees of infectivity against mealworm and greater moth observed in this study proved that the Nigerian isolate of Heterorhabditis sp.could potentially be an attractive option in the management of insect pests of cash crops.展开更多
基金This research was partially funded by AGER,Network Foundation,Project Fine Feed for Fish(4F)Rif.No.2016-01-01This work was also co-funded by the EU Horizon 2020 AquaIMPACT(Genomic and nutritional innovations for genetically superior farmed fish to improve efficiency in European aquaculture),number:818367.
文摘Background:Aquaculture must continue to reduce dependence on fishmeal(FM)and fishoil in feeds to ensure sustainable sector growth.Therefore,the use of novel aquaculture feed ingredients is growing.In this regard,insects can represent a new world of sustainable and protein-rich ingredients for farmed fish feeds.Accordingly,we investigated the effects of full replacement of FM with Tenebrio molitor(TM)larvae meal in the diet of rainbow trout(Oncorhynchus mykiss)on fish gut and skin microbiota.Methods:A feeding trial was conducted with 126 trout of about 80 g mean initial weight that were fed for 22 weeks with two isonitrogenous,isolipidic,and isoenergetic extruded experimental diets.Partially defatted TM meal was included in one of the diets to replace 100%(TM 100)of FM,whereas the other diet(TM 0)was without TM.To analyse the microbial communities,the Illumina MiSeq platform for sequencing of 16S rRNA gene and Qiime pipeline were used to identify bacteria in the gut and skin mucosa,and in the diets.Results:The data showed no major effects of full FM substitution with TM meal on bacterial species richness and diversity in both,gut mucosa-and skin mucus-associated microbiome.Skin microbiome was dominated by phylum Proteobacteria and especially by Gammaproteobacteria class that constituted approximately half of the bacterial taxa found.The two dietary fish groups did not display distinctive features,except for a decrease in the relative abundance of Deefgea genus(family Neisseriaceae)in trout fed with insect meal.The metagenomic analysis of the gut mucosa indicated that Tenericutes was the most abundant phylum,regardless of the diet.Specifically,within this phylum,the Mollicutes,mainly represented by Mycoplasmataceae family,were the dominant class.However,we observed only a weak dietary modulation of intestinal bacterial communities.The only changes due to full FM replacement with TM meal were a decreased number of Proteobacteria and a reduced number of taxa assigned to Ruminococcaceae and Neisseriaceae families.Conclusions:The data demonstrated that TM larvae meal is a valid alternative animal protein to replace FM in the aquafeeds.Only slight gut and skin microbiota changes occurred in rainbow trout after total FM replacement with insect meal.The mapping of the trout skin microbiota represents a novel contribution of the present study.Indeed,in contrast to the increasing knowledge on gut microbiota,the skin microbiota of major farmed fish species remains largely unmapped but it deserves thorough consideration.
基金Supported by Agricultural Research Project of Shaanxi Provincial Science and Technology Department(2012.k02-10)Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training Project of University Students in Shaanxi Province(1252)Special Funds of Ecology for Construction of High-level University in Shaanxi Province(2012SXTS03)
文摘In order to reduce the economic costs for breeding Tenebrio molitor L. and increase the utilization rate of corn stalk, with corn, wheat bran and corn stalk as the raw materials, 13 different compound feed were designed by Minitab (R) 15.1.0.0. The design was then divided into two groups based on addition or without addition of vegetable leaves to study the effects of compound feed and vegetable leaves on growth and de- velopment of T. molitor. The results showed that body weight, duration, crude protein content and pupation rate of larvae and emergence rate of adults were significantly affected by compound feed and vegetable leaves ( P 〈 0.05). The larvae bred with feed 5 had the largest body weight, with the shortest duration; the larvae bred with feed 3 had the highest pupation rate; the larvae bred with feed 7 had the highest crude protein content; the adult bred with feed 9 had the largest emergence rate. Overall breeding effect of feed 7 + vegetable leaves was better than any other groups, with ideal indicators, higher utilization rate and lower breeding cost. Its formula was w (wheat bran) = 33.33%, w (corn) = 33.33%, w (corn stalks) = 33.33%. Therefore, the growth of T. molitorwas significantly affected by feed types, and feed 7 + vegetable leaves could be promoted in the production.
基金supported by the PRIMA programme under grant agreement No 2015,project SUSTAvian FEEDsupported by the European Unionthe visit by Achille Schiavone(22216/IV/23-Poultry MED project)funded by the Fundación Séneca-Agencia de Ciencia y Tecnología de la Región de Murcia in connection with the“Jiménez De La Espada”Regional Programme for Mobility,Collaboration and Knowledge Exchange。
文摘Background The provision of environmental enrichments to Muscovy ducks could reduce the expression of the aggressive behaviors.The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of black soldier fly(BSF)and yellow mealworm(YM)live larva provision on Muscovy duck performance,excreta corticosterone metabolites(ECM),behavior,and blood parameters.Methods A total of 1263-day-old female Muscovy ducklings were allotted to 18 pens(6 replicates/treatment,7 birds/pen)and assigned to 3 experimental treatments:a control group fed commercial feed,and two experimental treatments fed commercial feed plus the 5%(based on the expected daily feed intake,as fed basis)of BSF and YM live larvae(BSF and YM groups,respectively).A two-phase feeding program was applied:starter(from 3 to 31 days of age)and grower-finisher(from 32 to 55 days of age).The live weight,average daily gain,average daily feed intake,and feed conversion ratio were calculated.Larva consumption times were collected,and video recordings were performed during 3 periods(P)each day:the hour before(P1),during(P2),and after(P3)the larva administration.ECM were evaluated at 3,31,and 55-day-old.Finally,the total red and white blood cell counts,serum proteins,lipids,and liver and renal function serum enzymes were evaluated on 12 birds/treatment.Results The experimental treatment did not affect the growth performance of the birds(P>0.05).Larva consumption times were always similar between the two insect species,except at 14–18 days of age,were BSF larvae were consumed faster than YM larvae(P<0.001).The birds showed less walking activity during P2,and preening behavior increased in YM birds during P3.The C birds increased the attack behavior over the weeks(P<0.05).During weeks 1–3 the YM group reduced the attack frequency(P1>P3;P<0.05).Finally,the provision of live BSF and YM larvae significantly reduced the ECM at 55 days of age and the heterophil to lymphocyte ratio(P<0.05).Conclusions Live BSF and YM larva supplementation in Muscovy duck improves duck welfare,without impairing birds'growth performance.
文摘For centuries, insects have been used as food due to their availability and easiness in raising that is much less burdensome for environment than animal husbandry breeding. Mealworm (Tenebrio molitor L.) is a store-pest of which larvae are consumed by people. The aim of the work was to determine the nutritional value of larvae of mealworm (Tenebrio molitor L.). The material was a three-month-old mealworm larva 25 -30 mmin length. Larvae were boiled for 3 min and next dried in 60℃. Contents of water, ash, minerals, protein, fat and fat acids profile have been determined. Fresh larvae contained 56% of water, 18% of total protein, 22% of total fat and 1.55% of ash. High contents of minerals were found in the larvae: magnesium (87.5 mg/100g), zinc (4.2 mg/100g), iron (3.8 mg/100g), copper (0.78 mg/100g) and manganese (0.44 mg/100g). The proportion of n-6/n-3 fatty acids was very advantageous and amounted to 6.76. Larvae powder contained twice higher content of protein, fat, ash and minerals. Larva of mealworm is a valuable source of nutrients in amounts more profitable for human organism than traditional meat food. Powdered larva is a high-grade product to be applied as a supplement to traditional meals.
文摘Males and females often differ in their susceptibility and exposure to infection. Thus, they may also differ in their ability to avoid infection. The beetle, Tenebrio molitor, risks infection with cysticercoids when ingesting rat feces containing eggs of the tapeworm, Hymenolepis diminuta. Previous studies demonstrated that beetles sometimes prefer infective feces suggesting that the tapeworm influences the foraging behavior of beetles. After recording beetle movement in an arena containing infective and uninfective feces for one hour, sex main effects were not significant, but the effect of sex asked in trials was significant for males. Specifically, more male beetles occurred on the uninfective bait than on the infective bait. This observation suggests that male beetles avoid infective feces, which decreases their probability of infection with H. diminuta. If the cost of infection is higher in males, then selection to avoid infective feces may act more strongly on males.
基金co-financed by Greece and the European Union(European Regional Development Fund)in context“ResearcheCreateeInnovate”within the Operational Program(Competitiveness,Entrepreneurship and Innovation(ЕPАNЕΚ)of the NSRF 2014e2020,Project Code:Τ2ЕDΚ-02356).Acronym:InsectFeedAroma.
文摘The role of insects in animal nutrition has been reconsidered during recent years,paving the way for an increasing market for edible insects.Their protein and amino acid balance make them a promising source of protein for replacing high value proteins.Yellow mealworm,Tenebrio molitor L.(TM;Coleoptera:Tenebrionidae)larvae,have shown positive effects on broiler performance in several research studies and have a strong potential as a sustainable alternative protein source for monogastric animals.This study aimed to assess the effect of replacing various ratios of basal diets with T.molitor larvae on broiler performance as well as on several meat and welfare characteristics.For the study,120 one-day-old male chicks(Ross 308)were randomly allocated in 3 treatments and 4 replications(10 birds per pen).Birds of the control group(basal diet)were fed with typical commercial maize and soymeal-based rations in mash form.The other 2 groups were treated with the same diet,after replacing 5%and 10%with dried TM larvae,respectively.On d 35(end of trial),meat samples were collected and analysed.Body weight,feed intake,body weight gain and feed conversion ratio during the periods of 1 to 10 d(starter period),11 to 24 d(grower period),25 to 35 d(finisher period)and 1 to 35 d(total period)were assessed.Podo-dermatitis,diarrhoea,feather score and litter conditions were also assessed during the trial.The results indicated that TM larvae inclusion in the broilers'diet positively affected body weight gain values,as well as the carcass yield,the meat composition and various welfare traits.Additionally,the dietary treatments with TM larvae favourably affected meat composition and colour parameters,whereas there were also some positive effects on lipid and protein oxidation.Saturated fatty acids were decreased by the dietary supplementation whereas the polyunsaturated fatty acids to SFA ratio increased.In general,the study showed that whole TM larvae addition can provide a promising alternative to soybean meal in the diet of broilers,demonstrating a positive impact on growth,welfare and meat characteristics.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC-30872033)the Program for New Century Excellent Talents in University from Ministry of Education, China (NCET-06-0867)
文摘The ω-atracotoxin-Arlb toxin (ω-ACTX-Arl b) is one of the arthropod-selective peptide neurotoxins from the venom of Australian funnel-web spider Atrax robustus. The gene of Arlb was synthesized and cloned into pET-32a(+) vector to allow expression of Arlb as a fusion protein with thioredoxin and the His-tag (rTrx-Arlb) in E. coli BL21 (DE3). The optimal condition for inducing the expression ofrTrx-Arl b was 1.0 mmol L-1 IPTG for 6 h at 28℃. The fusion protein rTrx- Arlb was expressed in soluble form and was purified effectively by HisTrap HP affinity column and rpHLPC and a final yield of purified rTrx-Arlb was 95 mg from 1 000 mL E. coli culture. The LD50 values for Mythimna separate and Tenebrio molitor were 111.66 and 11.04 ug g-1 determined by injection of the purified rTrx-Arlb. The results indicated that the recombinant Arlb protein was successfully expressed in E. coli and it was high toxicity against tested insects.
基金The authors are grateful to the Management of Landmark University for financial assistance and to Prof.A.P.Malan of the Department of Conservation Ecology&Entomology,Stellenbosch University,South Africa for providing guidance with molecular identification.
文摘The occurrence of entomopathogenic nematodes(EPNs)in arable soil samples from Nigeria was investigated using Baermann extraction tray and insect-bait(White’s trap)techniques.Isolates were tested for infectivity using the larvae of Galleria mellonella(greater moth)and Tenebrio molitor(mealworm).The study revealed a new species of Heterorhabditis(MT371593)in soil samples that were randomly collected from an arable farmland cultivated with cassava TMS-30572 at the Teaching and Research Farm of Landmark University,Nigeria.Amplification of the internal transcribed spacer region(ITS)of the ribosomal DNA produced a nucleotide sequence of 933 base pairs(bp).A BLASTN search of GenBank showed that the sequence of the Nigerian isolate is identical at 99%similarity to that of Heterorhabditis sp.from Thailand.Infectivity test of the isolate showed 100%mortality against T.molitor larvae within 48 h of exposure while only 80%mortality was recorded for G.mellonella after 1 week of exposure.This is the first account of Heterorhabditis sp.in Nigeria.The varying degrees of infectivity against mealworm and greater moth observed in this study proved that the Nigerian isolate of Heterorhabditis sp.could potentially be an attractive option in the management of insect pests of cash crops.