Biocontrol in large-scale cricket rearing facility

Aspire Food Group is the largest commercial cricket rearing facility in the world and has recently encountered a significant presence of mites in their facility. The main objectives of this research will utilize the taxonomic and biocontrol expertise to: 1) identify the mite species present in the Aspire facilities, 2) make recommendations based on identifications and biology of the species for generalized control of stored product pest mites, 3) devise standardized protocols for the assessment of mites in feed and other substrates, and on crickets, and 4) perform rearing and feeding experiments of biocontrol mites on stored product pest mites, parasitic mites infesting live crickets, and cricket eggs. This project will ensure that Aspire Canada is able to continue to assist Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sector to more sustainably meet global demand for food, and improve the quality assurance and economic feasibility of Aspire’s operations.

Faculty Supervisor:

Zoe Lindo

Student:

Partner:

Aspire Food Group

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Agriculture; Manufacturing

University:

The University of Western Ontario

Program: