Genetic improvement of farmed insect species: programmes, progress, and prospects

Like other animal farming systems that aim for maximum productivity and economic sustainability, the cultivation of insects for food and feed sectors requires the use of high-performance genetic lines that are adapted to specific rearing conditions. Therefore, investing in genetics and breeding programmes to domesticate and develop insect strains suitable for commercial production is imperative: if implemented appropriately, breeding programmes can achieve significant returns on investment. Developing genetic improvement programmes for insects entails considering various factors, including biology, reproduction, production system, and identifying breeding goals optimal for available resources. This review summarises the various techniques available for implementing selective breeding programmes in insects, as well as their current applications and developments in four insect species: the honey bee, silkworm, black soldier fly and mealworm.

Journal of Insects as Food and Feed

Journal of Insects as Food and Feed

11

2352-4588

N/A

8

28