The black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) is gaining attention as a promising solution in the realm of sustainable agriculture and waste management. Known for their distinctive ability to consume a wide range of organic waste materials, including rotten meat and vegetables, as well as feces and urine from livestock, these flies present a unique opportunity for efficient waste recycling. They are capable of transforming low-grade feed containing minimal protein into high-value biomass. The matured larvae of black soldier flies are particularly nutrient-rich, comprising approximately 50% to 60% protein and 20% to 30% fat, making them an excellent source of animal feed and protein for human consumption.
Their ecological benefits extend beyond waste reduction. The excrement of black soldier flies, processed through their digestive systems and microbial action, serves as an effective plant fertilizer. This natural recycling process is much faster than traditional methods of converting livestock waste into fertilizer, which can take several months. Furthermore, plants nourished with fertilizer from black soldier flies exhibit enhanced disease resistance, adding another layer of environmental advantage.
Despite these promising attributes, challenges remain in fully integrating black soldier flies into agricultural and waste management systems. Technological and systemic advancements are needed to raise and process these insects efficiently on a large scale.
Several startups in Europe and the U.S. are pioneering efforts in this field, employing breeding methods and genetic engineering to domesticate and breed black soldier flies. The goal is to achieve significant progress within five to ten years, a timeline remarkably shorter than the thousands of years it took to domesticate other species like silkworms. Currently, the probability of success is modest, but continuous efforts are being made to improve the efficacy and scalability of these systems.
Research at the University of Tokyo, led by Prof. Masami Shimoda, is employing advanced breeding methods and genetic engineering to domesticate and breed black soldier flies. The aim is to achieve significant advancements in a relatively short period.
“What we hope to achieve with black soldier flies in just five to 10 years took humankind several thousand years with silkworms,” says Shimoda. “With several difficult issues to resolve, our current chance of success stands at about 1%. The probability may be small now, but we are working every day to increase that number.”