Unpacking the benefits of black soldier fly frass fertilizer towards nematode suppression and potato production

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 systems, thus, making it a promising and sustainable alternative to commercial fertilizers and nematicides. Adopting this regenerative and multipurpose fertilizer will reduce reliance on synthetic fertilizers and nematicides, which are costly and harmful to the environment and human health.

1 Introduction

Globally, 33 – 52% of soils are affected by moderate and severe degradation, majorly due to soil erosion, salinization, acidification, and agricultural intensification (FAO and ITPS, 2015; ELD, 2015; Kopittke et al., 2019). The ongoing soil degradation is projected to reduce food production by 12% and increase food prices by 30% (ELD, 2015). In Africa for instance, approximately 83% of the arable land is degraded, with 75% severely depleted and lacking essential nutrients necessary for optimal crop growth and yield (Chianu et al., 2012; Wawire et al., 2021).

Currently, the productivity of African soils is declining due to land degradation, climate change, pest infestation, and poor soil and nutrient management practices, among others (Tully et al., 2015; Montanarella et al., 2016; Wortmann et al., 2019; ten Berge et al., 2019). To alleviate these challenges, judicious use of fertilizers and other regenerative agricultural practices to rejuvenate soil health and boost crop yields is necessary for the African farming system (Krah et al., 2019; Stewart et al., 2020; Gram et al., 2020). However, inorganic fertilizer use in sub-Saharan Africa is affected by high purchase costs, limited availability, reliance on imports, and weak fertilizer policies (Liverpool-Tasie et al., 2015; WFP, 2022). Additionally, the exclusive application of inorganic fertilizers induces nutrient imbalances, soil acidification, soil organic matter depletion, biodiversity loss, and dwindling yields of key food crops, including potatoes (Raimi et al., 2017).

Potato is an important food security crop in East Africa, providing income, nutrition, and sustenance to millions of people across the value chain (CIP, 2019; Otieno and Mageto, 2021). Interestingly, the average potato yield in many production areas has reduced drastically (Mugo et al., 2020; Price et al., 2021). In Kenya for instance, the average potato yield is 60 – 63% below the global average of 20 – 40 t ha^-1 (VIB, 2019) and this can be attributed majorly to low soil fertility (Mugo et al., 2020), disease pressure, and soil-dwelling pests, especially potato cyst nematodes that affect over 80% of potato farms (Mwangi et al., 2015; Coyne et al., 2018a; Mburu et al., 2018, Mburu et al., 2020; Price et al., 2021). Potato cyst nematodes (Globodera rostochiensis and Globodera pallida) are recognized globally as invasive and quarantine pests of potato (Price et al., 2021). However, these pests are commonly overlooked due to their symptoms often mistaken for nutrient deficiencies, and the limited awareness of nematode challenges among smallholder potato farmers in sub-Saharan Africa (Coyne et al., 2018a). The multiplication rate of these nematodes has increased drastically across major potato farms mainly due to continuous potato cultivation on the same piece of land and the use of susceptible potato varieties (Mburu et al., 2020; Price et al., 2021). Historically, farmers have relied on synthetic nematicides for potato cyst nematode management, but these are costly and pose adverse health effects to humans and the environment. Therefore, there is a pressing need to explore sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives to address the biotic and abiotic challenges to soil health and potato productivity (Zhang et al., 2017; Sabarwal et al., 2018; Touray et al., 2021).

Research on the efficacy of chitin and chitin-rich organic amendments for the control of plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs) attracted significant attention in the 1980s (Rodriguez-Kabana et al., 1987; Spiegel et al., 1988; Rodriguez-Kabana, 1986; Mian et al., 1982). This interest was driven primarily by their high nitrogen content, low carbon-to-nitrogen (C: N) ratio (Rodriguez-Kabana et al., 1987; Nico et al., 2004; Renčo et al., 2010; Oka, 2010) and stimulation of the activities of chitinolytic microorganisms which parasitize on nematode eggs and eggs sacks (Sarathchandra et al., 1996; Hallmann et al., 1999; Jin et al., 2005). These amendments also trigger a marked increase in soil chitinase activity which is closely linked to the enhanced activity of chitin-degrading microbes (Jung et al., 2002; Jin et al., 2005). Similarly, the production of volatile fatty acids and antibiotics (Akhtar and Malik, 2000; Ali et al., 2002; López-Robles et al., 2013), the release of nitrogenous compounds, organic acids, and other products of organic matter decomposition has been reported to contribute greatly to the effectiveness of chitin-rich organic soil amendments in plant-parasitic nematode control (Rodriguez-Kabana et al., 1987; Oka, 2010; Thoden et al., 2011).

Soil amendment with the chitin-rich black soldier fly frass fertilizer has been reported to increase the soil’s suppressiveness towards plant parasitic nematodes (Anedo et al., 2024; Kisaakye et al., 2024). The biocontrol efficacy of this fertilizer has been associated primarily with its high chitin content. For instance, the BSF pupal exuviae contains 10 – 30% chitin which is more cost-effective, highly soluble, and bioavailable (Hahn et al., 2020; Lagat et al., 2021). Besides the high chitin content, the low C: N ratio and high nitrogen content of the BSFFF helps in faster decomposition and subsequent release of ammonia and other by-products of organic matter decomposition associated with nematode control (Oka, 2010; Anedo et al., 2024). Also, BSFFF has been reported to induce plant systemic resistance against pests and pathogens and help in defense-related gene expression (Barragan-Fonseca et al., 2023; Li et al., 2023; Wantulla et al., 2023a). These findings are a game changer because insect chitin is more bioactive and cheaper than crustacean chitin which has been previously relied on for nematode management (Spiegel et al., 1988; Hussain et al., 2013);.

In the smallholder potato cropping systems of Africa and the tropics, the use of organic fertilizers is limited by long production time, low nutrient quality, chemical and biological contaminants, and competitive use of organic matter on the farm (Ndambi et al., 2019). Insect-driven recycling of organic wastes is emerging as an efficient, and eco friendly technology for the production of high quality organic fertilizers and biopesticides to complement mineral fertilizers and synthetic pesticides in soil health management and crop production (Beesigamukama et al., 2023a; Tanga and Kababu, 2023; Wantulla et al., 2023a, Wantulla et al., 2023b). This is because the organic fertilizer generated using insects also known as the insect frass fertilizer, contains plant nutrients that are readily available for plant uptake (Beesigamukama et al., 2020b, Beesigamukama et al., 2021; Menino et al., 2021), supplies plant growth hormones and boosts beneficial soil microbes (Fuhrmann et al., 2022; Barragan-Fonseca et al., 2022; Wantulla et al., 2023a). Soil amendment with black soldier fly frass fertilizer (BSFFF) has been found to increase the growth and yield of key food security crops such as maize (Beesigamukama et al., 2020a; Tanga et al., 2021), vegetables (Anyega et al., 2021; Abiya et al., 2022), bush beans (Chepkorir et al., 2024), and potato (Anedo et al., 2024). Application of insect frass fertilizer also induces systemic plant resistance against pests and pathogens, attracts pest parasitoids, and suppresses plant pathogens and pests (Barragan-Fonseca et al., 2022, Barragan-Fonseca et al., 2023; Wantulla et al., 2023a; Anedo et al., 2024)). Additionally, the pupae exuviae is an essential source of chitin which boosts the pesticidal properties of BSFFF and increases pathogen and pest suppression (Quilliam et al., 2020; Kemboi et al., 2022; Anedo et al., 2024).

The effectiveness of the chitin-fortified BSFFF in potato cyst nematode management has been demonstrated under greenhouse conditions, whereby soil amendment with BSFFF fortified with 5% chitin suppressed nematodes by up to 98% (Anedo et al., 2024). However, the performance of chitin-fortified BSFFF has not been validated under open field conditions, and its efficacy on nematode suppression and potato production in comparison to existing commercial organic fertilizers, mineral fertilizers, and nematicides has not been evaluated. This study, therefore, assessed comparatively, the nematicidal and fertilizer potentials of the BSFFF, commercial nematicide, inorganic fertilizer, and commercial organic fertilizer for potato production under open field conditions. The knowledge generated will support the use of chitin-fortified BSFFF as a cost-effective and regenerative fertilizer, and nematicide for enhancing the productivity of smallholder potato cropping systems.

2 Materials and methods

2.1 Study site

The study was carried out at the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO) potato research center Tigoni station, central Kenya between December 2022 and August 2023. Tigoni station is located within the lower midland zone of Kiambu County (1°09’03.7”S and 36°41’08.3”E) at an elevation of 2131m above sea level. The region has a bi-modal rainfall pattern; the short rains begin in October and stop around December, while the long rains run from March to May. Annual rainfall in Tigoni is estimated to be about 1096 mm while the mean monthly temperature ranges between 12°C and 24°C with an average of 18°C. The soil is classified as Humic Nitisols, characterized by deep, well-drained, and reddish-brown friable clay with a pH ranging from 4.3 to 5.82 (Muthoni and Kabira, 2010; Rop et al., 2022). Before experiments, soil samples were collected randomly from the experimental site and bulked together to form a composite (Knowles and Dawson, 2018). A sub-sample was taken to the laboratory for determination of pH, nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulphur, sodium, manganese, iron, copper, zinc, and boron), organic matter, exchangeable acidity, acid saturation, cation exchange capacity, and texture using standard methods (Okalebo et al., 2002). The results of soil analysis are presented in Table 1.

Table 1

Table 1. Chemical properties of the experimental soil, black soldier fly frass fertilizer, chitin-fortified black soldier fly frass fertilizer, and SAFI organic fertilizer.

During experiments, weather data was sourced from a weather station at Tigoni, while soil moisture data was obtained from the NASA Metrological database (https://power.larc.nasa.gov/data-access-viewer/). The average monthly temperatures were 17.9°C – 21.8°C during the short rains and 18.1 – 22.9°C during the long rains (Figure 1A). The cumulative root zone soil moisture was 2.8 –57.0 cm³ cm^-3 and 73.3 – 131.7 cm³ cm^-3 during the short and long rain seasons, respectively (Figure 1B). The cumulative daily rainfall was 23.2 –117.0 mm and 315.88 – 434.72 mm during the short rains and long rains, respectively (Figure 1C). The long rain season had higher relative humidity (64 – 75%) compared to the short rain season (53 – 75%) (Figure 1D). These values fall within the optimum temperature (15 – 20°C), relative humidity (50 – 85%), and annual rainfall (400 – 800 mm) recommended for potato production (Wheeler et al., 1989; Nyawade et al., 2019; National Potato Council of Kenya, 2020).

Figure 1

Figure 1. Daily temperature (A), cumulative daily root zone soil moisture (B), cumulative daily rainfall (C), and relative humidity (D) of the study site during the experimental period.

2.2 Sources of the experimental materials

The black soldier fly (BSF)-based chitin was obtained from BSF pupal exuviae sourced from a BSF colony maintained at the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya. The exuviae were washed using tap water, sun-dried for 4 days, and ground into a fine powder (< 2mm) using a KM-400 mechanical grinder (MRC laboratory equipment and manufacturing UK). The black soldier fly frass fertilizer (BSFFF) was obtained by feeding the black soldier fly larvae on the brewer’s spent grain (barley waste) according to the procedure outlined by Shumo et al. (2019). The larvae were harvested after two weeks, while the frass was composted for 5 weeks using the heap method described by Beesigamukama et al. (2020a). The commercial organic fertilizer (SAFI), a biochar-based organic fertilizer was sourced from Safi Organics Ltd., Mwea town, Kirinyaga County, Kenya. The biochar was produced using rice husk as feedstock at pyrolysis temperatures of 400°C and residence time of 3 hours. The mineral fertilizers, Muriate of potash (MOP), urea, and triple superphosphate (TSP) were sourced from Kenya Farmers’ Association (KFA) stores, Nairobi, Kenya. The BSFFF and SAFI were analyzed for nutrients and other chemical properties using standard laboratory methods described by Okalebo et al. (2002). The results are presented in Table 1.

2.3 Treatments and experimental setup

The experiment consisted of eight treatments: Black soldier fly frass fertilizer (BSFFF), applied at a rate equivalent to 150 kg N ha^-1 (Otieno and Mageto, 2021), commercial organic fertilizer (SAFI), applied at a rate equivalent to 150 kg N ha^-1, BSFFF in combination with 5% BSF chitin (BSFFF + 5chitin) as previously recommended in our sister studies (Anedo et al., 2024), NPK, BSFFF combined with NPK so that each supplies 50% (75 kg N/ha) of the total nitrogen (N) required (50BSFFF + 50NPK), SAFI combined with NPK so that each supplies 50% of the total N required (50SAFI + 50NPK), BSFFF+ 5% chitin combined with NPK so that each supplies 50% of the total N required (50BSFFF+ 5chitin + 50NPK), and control (unamended soil). The quantities of BSFFF, BSFFF + 5% chitin, and SAFI required to supply the nutrients were 4.07 t ha^-1, 3.84 t ha^-1, and 28.3 t ha^-1, respectively. The NPK fertilizer was applied at the rate of 150 kg N ha^-1, 60 kg P ha^-1, and 250 kg K ha^-1 (urea 326.1 kg ha^-1, triple super phosphate 298.7 kg ha^-1 and muriate of potash fertilizers (1004.3 kg ha^-1), respectively. The nematicide was applied at a company-recommended rate of 0.625 l ha^-1. The organic and mineral fertilizers were applied at planting time using the band placement method, effected by placing the fertilizers in 5 cm deep bands that were covered with soil before planting. The commercial nematicide (Velum Prime from Bayer crop sciences, UK) was applied during planting. Pre-sprouted seeds of potato variety cv. shangi were planted on a 4m × 4m plot with a plant spacing of 75 × 30cm. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with four replications, and conducted for two cropping seasons. The treatments were applied every season. The experiments were managed using standard agronomic practices recommended for potato production. Ridomil gold (Syngenta East Africa Ltd.) was applied at 3 and 10 weeks after planting to control early and late blights.

2.4 Potato growth and yield

Data on leaf growth, number of branches, plant height, stem diameter, and leaf chlorophyll concentration were collected biweekly using 10 randomly selected plants from each plot, from the 4^th to the 12^th week after planting. Plant height was determined by using a tape measure, starting from ground level to the apex of the plant. The number of leaves was determined by counting fully developed and photosynthetically active leaves. The number of branches was determined by counting the number of fully developed branches per plant. Leaf chlorophyll concentration was determined using a chlorophyll meter (SPAD-502plus, Konica Minolita, Japan) placed on six fully developed leaves from the top. Stem diameter was measured using a vernier caliper (150 mm, Toolstream Ltd., UK) placed 10 cm above the soil surface.

Harvesting was conducted at 115 days after planting when the plants had reached physiological maturity indicated by the yellowing of the leaves and withering of stems. The plants from each plot were carefully uprooted to retrieve the tubers using a garden fork. The harvested tubers were separated from the shoots manually, counted, and graded into marketable and non-marketable tubers. The number of marketable tubers (i.e., those that were pest and disease-free and weighing above 25g) per plot was determined by hand counting. The marketable tuber weights were measured using an electronic weighing balance and used to determine the yields in tonnes per hectare [t ha^-1]) (Asnake et al., 2023).

2.5 Soil nematode dynamics

Before planting and after harvesting, composite soil samples were collected from each plot using a systemic sampling pattern, mixed thoroughly, and a sub-sample of 200g was taken for cyst extraction (Coyne et al., 2018b). The soil samples were air-dried for 7 days, and the cysts were extracted using the Fenwick can flotation method (European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organisation, 2013). The extracted cysts were collected on milk filter paper, air-dried, and manually picked using entomological forceps under a LEICA EZ4 stereomicroscope (Leica Microsystems GmbH. Germany). The viability of the cysts was assessed using Nile blue stain (Sigma Aldrich, USA), and 20 uniform-sized cysts (in triplicates) were selected for assessment (Mburu et al., 2020). After incubating the cyst with 0.01% Nile blue stain for 48 hours, the cysts were crushed to expose the viable eggs, non-viable eggs, and second-stage juveniles (J2). The stained eggs (non-viable), non-stained eggs (viable), and live (viable) second-stage juveniles (J2) were identified using a LEICA M80 stereomicroscope at ×40 magnification (Leica Microsystems GmbH. Germany). The cyst fertility (CF) was determined by adding the number of J2s, stained eggs, and non-stained eggs. Cyst viability (CV%) was determined using Equation 1 (Mburu et al., 2020).

$\begin{array}{ll}\text{Cyst viability}(\%)=\frac{\text{number of J}2\text{s}+\text{number of non}-\text{stained eggs}}{\text{Cyst fertility }}\times 100& (1)\end{array}$

The effectiveness of the fertilizer treatments in PCN suppression was determined by calculating cyst viability (Equation 1) and nematode multiplication rate (Equation 2).

$\begin{array}{ll}\text{Rf}=\frac{Pf}{\text{P}i}& (2)\end{array}$

Where:

Pf is the nematode population after harvesting and Pi is the nematode population before planting (Vanitha et al., 2019).

2.6 Statistical analysis

The normality of the collected data was assessed using the Shapiro-Wilk test. Subsequently, a linear mixed-effect model, utilizing the ‘lmer’ function from the ‘lme4’ package, was employed to analyze the interactive effect of the fertilizer treatments on potato growth parameters (plant height, number of leaves, number of branches, stem diameter, and leaf chlorophyll). This model treated fertilizer treatments and sampling time as fixed effects, while replication was considered a random effect. Furthermore, one-way analysis of variance was used to analyze the growth parameters for each sampling time, number of marketable tubers, tuber yield, and nematode population parameters. Least squares means were computed with the “lsmeans” package, and significant differences were determined using the “Tukey” test at a significance level of p ≤ 0.05. To explore the relationship between potato growth, yield, and nematode population densities, principal component analysis (PCA) was executed using the “prcomp” function from the “ggbiplot” package, pooling data from both seasons. All statistical analyses were performed using R software (R Core Team, 2024).

3 Results

3.1 Effect of chitin-fortified BSFFF and commercial fertilizers and nematicides on potato growth

3.1.1 Plant height

The potato height was significantly (P < 0.001) influenced by the different fertilizer treatments (short rain season: χ2 = 101.5, df =7, P < 0.001, long rain season: χ2 = 152.0, df =7, P < 0.001) and potato growth stage (short rain season: χ2 = 1452.0, df =4, P < 0.001, long rain season: χ2 = 794.3, df =4, P < 0.001) (Figures 2A , F). The interaction of the fertilizer treatments and potato growth stage was not significant during both seasons (short rain season: χ2 = 37.9, df =28, P=0.10, long rain season: χ2 = 28.8, df =28, P = 0.42). Compared to the control, soil amendment with the fertilizer treatments significantly (P < 0.001) increased the plant height by 22 – 32% and 23 – 34% during the short and long rains, respectively. However, there were no significant differences between BSFFF-based fertilizer sources, SAFI, and NPK + nematicides during both seasons.

Figure 2

Figure 2. Effect of BSF frass fertilizer, commercial organic fertilizer, and NPK treatments on potato growth: plant height (A , F), number of leaves, (F, B, G) number of branches (C, H) stem diameter (D, I) and chlorophyll concentrations (E, J) during the short rain season (A–E) and long rain season (F–J) experiments. Control, no fertilizer amendment; BSFFF, black soldier fly frass fertilizer applied at a rate equivalent to 150 kg N ha^-1; BSFFF+5chitin, black solder fly frass fertilizer applied at a rate of 150kg N ha ¹ and fortified with 5% chitin from BSF exuviae; 50BSFFF+50NPK, 50%black soldier fly frass fertilizer+50%NPK; 50BSFFF+5chitin +50NPK, 50%BSFFF+5%chitin+50%NPK; SAFI, Commercial organic fertilizer applied at a rate equivalent to 150 kg N ha^-1; 50SAFI+50NPK, 50%SAFI+50%NPK; NPK+nematicide, NPK+ commercial nematicide. Per panel, means (± standard error) followed by the same letters are not significantly different at p < 0.05.

3.1.2 Number of leaves and branches

There were significant differences in the number of leaves of potatoes due to fertilizer treatments (short rain season: χ2 = 51.3, df =7, P < 0.001, long rain season: χ2 = 103.1, df =7, P < 0.001) and potato growth stage (short rain season: χ2 = 424.9, df =4, P < 0.001, long rain season: χ2 = 539.8, df =4, P < 0.001). The interaction effect of the fertilizer treatments and potato growth stage was significant during the short rain season only (short rain season: χ2 = 56.4, df =28, P < 0.01, long rain season: χ2 = 23.6, df =28, P=0.70) (Figures 2B, G). The fertilizer treatments increased number of leaves by 43 – 61% and 24 – 47% during the short and long rain seasons, respectively, compared to the control.

The potato branches were significantly increased by the different fertilizer treatments (short rain season, χ2 = 31.9, df = 7, P < 0.001, long rain season, χ2 = 158.2, df = 7, P < 0.001), potato growth stage (short rain season: χ2 = 456.4, df = 4, P < 0.001, long rain season: χ2 = 539.8, df = 4, P < 0.001) and their interaction (short rain season: χ2 = 41.2, df = 28, P < 0.1, long rain season: χ2 = 50.0, df = 4 = 28, P < 0.01) (Figures 2C, H). The fertilizer treatments increased the potato branches by 11– 46% and 41 – 69% during the short and long rains, respectively, compared to the control. In both seasons, soil amendment with NPK + nematicides achieved the highest increase in the number of branches which was 23 – 40% significantly higher than the values achieved using other treatments.

3.1.3 Stem diameter and leaf chlorophyll content

The potato stem diameter increased significantly due to the fertilizer treatments (short rain season: χ2 = 413.3, df = 7, P < 0.001, long rain season: χ2 = 140.7, df = 7, P < 0.001) and potato growth stages (short rain season: χ2 = 422.1, df = 4, P < 0.001, long rain season: χ2 = 141.6, df = 4, P < 0.001). There was no significant difference between the fertilizer treatments and the potato growth stages during the short rain season (χ2 = 23.0, df = 28, P = 0.73) and long rain season (χ2 = 10.7, df = 28, P = 1.0), respectively (Figures 2D, I). Soil amendment with the fertilizer treatments significantly increased (P < 0.001) the potato stem diameter by 51 – 59% and 24 – 46% compared to the control during the short and long rains respectively. In both seasons, soil amendment with SAFI achieved the highest stem diameter, which was significantly higher than those of 50BSFFF + 50NPK and 50SAFI + 50NPK.

The potato leaf chlorophyll concentration varied significantly due to the fertilizer treatments (short rain season: χ2 = 194.4, df = 7, P < 0.001, long rain season: χ2 = 73.7, df = 7, P < 0.001), potato growth stage (short rain season: χ2 = 121.3, df = 4, P < 0.001, long rain season: χ2 = 234.1, df = 4, P < 0.001) and their interactions (short rain season: χ2 = 91.3, df = 28, P < 0.001, long rain season: χ2 = 50.5, df = 28, P = 0.01) (Figures 2E, J). An increase in the potato leaf chlorophyll concentration by 13 –19% and 5 – 7% compared to the control during the short and long rains, respectively was observed. In both growing seasons, NPK + nematicides achieved the highest increase in the potato leaf chlorophyll concentration which was significantly different from other fertilizer sources by 5 –7% during the short rains. The leave chlorophyll concentration started dropping from the 8^th week down to the 12^th week after planting.

3.2 Yield of potatoes grown in soil amended with chitin-fortified BSFFF and commercial fertilizers and nematicides

The fertilizer treatments significantly increased the number of marketable potato tubers by 42 – 61% during the short rain season (F _{(7, 24)} = 4.2, P < 0.01) and 34 – 52% during the long rain season (χ² = 37.2, df =7, P < 0.001) compared to the control (Figures 3A, C). The number of marketable tubers achieved using BSFFF+5chitin was comparable to the number achieved using NPK + nematicides and SAFI during both the short rain and long rain seasons, respectively. The highest number of marketable tubers achieved using BSFFF+ 5% chitin was 9 – 28% higher than other fertilizer sources.

Figure 3

Figure 3. Effect of BSF frass fertilizer, commercial organic fertilizer, and NPK treatments on the number of potato tubers (A, C) and tuber yield (B, D) during the short rain season (A, B) and long rain season (C , D). Control, no fertilizer amendment; BSFFF, black soldier fly frass fertilizer applied at a rate equivalent to 150 kg N ha^-1; BSFFF+5chitin, black solder fly frass fertilizer applied at a rate of 150 kg N ha^-1 and fortified with 5% chitin from BSF exuviae; 50BSFFF+50NPK, 50%black soldier fly frass fertilizer+50%NPK; 50BSFFF+5chitin +50NPK, 50%BSFFF+5%chitin+50%NPK; SAFI, Commercial organic fertilizer applied at a rate equivalent to 150 kg N ha^-1; 50SAFI+50NPK, 50%SAFI+50%NPK; NPK+nematicide, NPK+ commercial nematicide. Per panel, means (± standard error) followed by the same letters are not significantly different at p < 0.05.

Soil amendments with the different fertilizer treatments significantly increased the potato tuber yield during the short rain season (F _{(7, 24)} = 4.1, P < 0.01), and long rain season (χ² = 37.2, df =7, P < 0.001) (Figures 3B, D. The Fertilizer treatments increased the tuber yield by 34 – 72% and 20 – 39% compared to the control during the short and long rains, respectively. The marketable tuber yields achieved using BSFFF, 50BSFFF + 50NPK, and BSFFF+ 5chitin were comparable to the value achieved using SAFI, but higher than NPK + nematicides by 12–32% during the short rain season. During the long rain season, the yields achieved using the BSFFF formulations were comparable to the yield achieved using SAFI and NPK + nematicides.

3.3 Effect of chitin-fortified BSFFF and commercial fertilizers and nematicides on nematode population density and reproduction rate

The fertilizer amendments significantly (P < 0.001) reduced the number of cysts per 200g soil^-1 by 23 – 50% and 32 – 58% compared to the control, during the short rain season (χ² = 27.7, df =7, P < 0.001) and long rain season (F _{(7, 24)} = 24.0, P < 0.01), respectively (Table 2). Soil amendment with BSFFF+ 5chitin achieved the highest reduction, which was 5% and 35% higher than the values achieved using NPK + nematicide and SAFI respectively, during the short rain season, and 7 – 20% higher than those of SAFI treatments during the long rain season. During the long rain season, NPK + nematicide achieved the highest reduction in the number of cysts which was 24% and 33% higher than the values achieved using BSFFF+ 5chitin and SAFI, respectively.

Table 2

Table 2. Effect of fertilizer treatments on potato cyst nematode population parameters.

All treatments significantly reduced the number of eggs and J2 per cyst by 35 – 66% and 50 – 94% compared to the control (short rain season: F _{(7, 24)} = 6.3, P < 0.001, long rain season: χ² = 431.4, df =7, P < 0.001), respectively (Table 2).

The highest reduction in the number of eggs and J2 per cyst was achieved using NPK + nematicide. However, this value was not significantly different from BSFFF based fertilizer sources. The BSFFF-based fertilizer sources reduced the number of eggs and J2s per cyst by 8 – 47% and 55 – 90% compared to SAFI during the short and long rains, respectively.

The different fertilizer treatments significantly reduced the number of cyst eggs and J2 per 200g soil^-1 by 29 – 76% and 30 – 98% compared to the control during the short rain season (χ² = 31.9, df =7, P < 0.001) and long rain season (χ² = 123.4, df =7, P < 0.001), respectively (Table 2). NPK + nematicide achieved the highest reduction in the number of cyst eggs and J2 per 200g soil^-1 though not significantly different from BSFFF-based fertilizer sources in both seasons. Compared to SAFI, the BSFFF-based fertilizer sources reduced the number of cyst eggs and J2 per 200g soil^-1 by 35 – 62% and 56 – 92% during the short and long rain seasons respectively.

Soil amendment with the different fertilizer treatments caused significant differences in PCN reproduction rate. The fertilizer treatments reduced the reproduction rate by 8 – 77% and 22– 91% compared to the control during the short rain season (χ² = 18.1, df =7, P < 0.01) and long rain season (χ² = 16.3, df =7, P < 0.05) respectively (Table 2). The highest reduction in the PCN reproduction rate achieved using BSFFF+5chitin was 20% and 75% different from the values achieved using NPK + nematicide and SAFI respectively, during the short rain season. During the long rain season, soil amendment with NPK + nematicide caused the highest reduction in the PCN reproduction rate. However, this was not significantly different from the values achieved using the BSFFF-based fertilizer sources. Compared to SAFI, the BSFFF-based fertilizer sources reduced the nematode reproduction rate by 15 – 66%.

3.4 Multivariate analysis of potato growth, yield, and nematode population parameters

The fertilizer treatments affected the potato growth, yield, and nematode population parameters as shown by the principal component analysis (PCA) (Figure 4). For the potato growth and nematode population parameters (Figure 4A), the first two components accounted for 73.4% of the total variance. PCA 1 accounted for 51.2% of the variance while PCA 2 accounted for 22.2%. The nematode population parameters were negatively correlated with the potato growth parameters. However, fertilizer treatments such as NPK + nematicide, BSFFF, and its combinations clustered towards the potato growth parameters, while the control, SAFI, and its combination with NPK clustered towards the nematode population parameters. The PCA analysis for nematode population parameters and potato yield (Figure 4B) showed that the first two components accounted for 73.8% of the total variance, whereby, PC 1 accounted for 54.4% and PC 2 accounted for 19.4% of the total variance. The unamended soil (control), SAFI, and its combination with NPK clustered towards the nematode population parameters while, NPK+nematicide, BSFFF, and its combinations clustered towards the potato yield parameters.

Figure 4

Figure 4. Biplots showing the relationship between nematode population parameters and potato growth parameters (A), nematode population parameters, and potato yield parameters (B), for the first two principal components (PC1 and PC2). Control, no fertilizer amendment; BSFFF, black soldier fly frass fertilizer applied at a rate equivalent to 150 kg N ha^-1; BSFFF+5chitin, black solder fly frass fertilizer applied at a rate of 150 kg N ha^-1 and fortified with 5% chitin from BSF exuviae; 50BSFFF+50NPK, 50%black soldier fly frass fertilizer+50%NPK; 50BSFFF+5chitin +50NPK, 50%BSFFF+5%chitin+50%NPK; SAFI, Commercial organic fertilizer applied at a rate equivalent to 150 kg N ha^-1; 50SAFI+50NPK, 50%SAFI+50%NPK; NPK+nematicide, NPK+ commercial nematicide. Per panel, means (± standard error) followed by the same letters are not significantly different at p < 0.05.

4 Discussion

4.1 Effect of chitin-fortified BSF frass fertilizer, commercial fertilizers, and nematicides on potato growth and yield

The enhanced potato growth and yield achieved using both SAFI and BSF frass fertilizers compared to the unfertilized soil indicate the high levels of soil degradation and justify the need for fertilizer application to improve soil and crop productivity (Tully et al., 2015). Therefore, the comparable values of potato growth and yield parameters achieved using commercial fertilizers (SAFI and NPK+ nematicide) and BSF frass fertilizer showed that this novel insect-based fertilizer can complement or replace commercial nematicide and fertilizers used in potato production thus, confirming the findings of our earlier study under greenhouse conditions (Anedo et al., 2024). The regenerative chitin-fortified BSFFF will go a long way in providing a holistic solution for transforming agri-food systems due to its multipurpose roles of nutrient supply and pest control.

The improved potato growth and yield observed in this study could be attributed to enhanced nutrient availability and synchrony associated with BSFFF (Beesigamukama et al., 2021; Boudabbous et al., 2023). Recent studies also demonstrated the efficacy of BSFFF or chitin-fortified BSFFF in significantly improving fertility in terms of soil pH, macronutrients, exchangeable cations, and cation exchange capacity (Beesigamukama et al., 2021; Gebremikael et al., 2022; Menino et al., 2021; Boudabbous et al, 2023; Anedo et al., 2024). On the other hand, soil amendment with BSFFF and the chitin-rich exuviae have been found to boost plant growth hormones and stimulate the activities of beneficial bacteria and fungi that are key in enhancing plant growth and immunity (Wantulla et al., 2023b; van de Zande et al., 2024). The BSFFF also provides additional benefits, especially inducing systemic resistance against pests and pathogens, attracting pollinators and parasitoids, and upregulating plant defensive genes (Barragan-Fonseca et al., 2023; Li et al., 2023; Wantulla et al., 2023a). This could have contributed to the superior performance of BSFFF-based fertilizers observed during the study. To complement the findings of Anedo et al. (2024), future studies are warranted to validate the effects of BSFFF and chitin-fortified BSFFF on soil nutrient cycling, soil microbiome, plant pathogens, soil-plant feedback mechanisms that contribute to pest control and diversity of pollinators and natural enemies.

The higher potato yield achieved validates our recent study which reported significant improvement in potato yield using chitin-fortified BSF frass fertilizers under greenhouse conditions, due to enhanced soil fertility and nematode suppression (Anedo et al., 2024). Moreover, previous studies reported increased growth and yield of different food crops grown in soils amended with insect frass fertilizer (Anyega et al., 2021; Tanga et al., 2021; Hodge and Conway, 2022; Carroll et al., 2023; van de Zande et al., 2024). The significant enhancements in potato growth and yield achieved using a combination of mineral fertilizer (NPK) and organic fertilizers (SAFI or BSFFF) validate the advantages of integrated nutrient management in crop production in terms of improved nutrient availability, soil moisture retention, and soil acidity reduction (Suh et al., 2015; Phom et al., 2018; Kafle et al., 2019; Stewart et al., 2020). Additionally, such practices have been shown to enhance the soil nitrogen cycle (Gentile et al., 2008) and improve soil biochemical properties (Zhou et al., 2022). The higher growth and yield obtained in SAFI (biochar-based fertilizer) treated soil confirm the benefits of biochar on soil fertility enhancement, carbon sequestration, and water retention, which are key for enhanced crop production (Beusch, 2021; Luis Moreno et al, 2022; Singh et al.,2022; Hu et al., 2023). Since biochar supplies less nutrients, future studies should evaluate the benefits of the combined application of biochar and insect frass fertilizer on soil health, pest control, and potato growth and yield to develop a product with the capacity to boost soil and improve crop yield.

4.2 Effect of chitin-fortified BSF frass fertilizer, commercial fertilizers, and nematicides on nematode management

Past studies have shown that potato cyst nematode can reduce potato growth and yield by up to 85% and 75%, respectively (Maneva and Trifonova, 2015; Berrahia and Sellami, 2022), warranting the urgent need for efficacious yet sustainable solutions. The observed reduction in the number of cysts/200 g soil^-1, number of eggs and J2/cyst, the number of eggs and J2/200 g soil^-1, and nematode reproduction rate in this study validate our sister studies that demonstrated the potential of BSFFF and chitin-fortified BSFFF as an environmentally friendly option for nematode management under controlled conditions (Anedo et al., 2024; Kisaakye et al., 2024). The highest reduction in the number of cysts/200 g soil^-1 and nematode reproduction rate achieved using BSFFF+ 5% chitin, and the comparative nematode suppression rate observed between the BSFFF-based sources and NPK + nematicide highlights the potential of chitin-fortified BSFFF as a sustainable alternative or compliment to conventional nematicides used in potato production. Unlike, synthetic nematodes which are costly and pose serious health risks to both human and environmental health (Zhang et al., 2017; Sabarwal et al., 2018; Touray et al., 2021), the chitin-fortified BSFFF is bio-rational and thus contributes to safe food production and One-Health benefits.

Despite the increased nematode suppression observed in the plots treated with BSFFF, BSFFF+5chitin, and their combinations with NPK, the mechanisms involved have not been properly investigated. However, previous studies have attributed the efficacy of organic resources and chitin-rich organic soil amendments on nematode control to the high nitrogen content and low C: N ratio (Rodriguez-Kabana et al., 1987; Oka, 2010; Renčo et al., 2010). Organic amendments with low C: N ratios such as the BSFFF and chitin-fortified BSFFF used in the study have been found more effective in plant parasitic nematode suppression compared to those with high C: N ratios (Rodriguez-Kabana et al., 1987; Renčo et al., 2010). This is majorly due to the fast release of ammonia, organic acids, nitrogenous compounds, and other by-products of organic matter decomposition that significantly contribute to nematode suppression (Rodriguez-Kabana, 1986; Oka and Yermiyahu, 2002; Nico et al., 2004; Oka, 2010; Thoden et al., 2011). These compounds can either render the newly hatched juveniles immobile or alter the soil conditions in a way that prevents nematode reproduction (Oka, 2010). Soil amendment with chitin and chitin-rich organic fertilizers such as BSFFF has been reported to increase the activity and diversity of chitinolytic microbes which parasitize on nematode eggs and eggs sac, reducing their rate of reproduction and capacity to attack potato roots (Mian et al., 1982; Rodriguez-Kabana et al., 1984, Rodriguez-Kabana et al., 1987). Nyang’au et al. (2023) demonstrated the efficacy of fungal species isolated from PCN collected in different potato fields in Kenya in reducing egg viability and hatchability, contributing to bio-rational nematode control. Most of these microbes especially those belonging to the bacterial genus Pseudomonas, Streptomyces, Purpureocillium, and Pochonia, and fungi H. minnesotensis either parasitize on the nematode eggs or produce antibiotics that inhibit the action of the nematodes (Cronin et al., 1997; Devrajan et al., 2004; Mwaheb et al., 2017). For example, the antibiotic 2- 4 diacetyl phloroglucinol, produced by the bacteria P. fluorescens inhibits the activities of potato cyst nematode (G. rostochiensis) (Cronin et al., 1997). Going forward, future studies are warranted to elucidate the mechanisms of nematode suppression associated with BSFFF and chitin-fortified BSFFF to provide accurate recommendations for enhancing the efficacy of these novel bio-rationals.

The reduction in the nematode reproduction rate (91%) achieved using BSFFF+5chitin in this study is higher than the values (82 – 87%) reported by Ebrahimi et al. (2016) while using organic amendments of varying qualities. The results obtained in this study are consistent with earlier reports on the efficacy of compost, chitin, and chitin-rich organic soil amendments in nematode control (Renčo et al., 2010; Renčo and Kováčik, 2015; Ebrahimi et al., 2016; Renčo et al., 2016), and justify the use of regenerative chitin-fortified BSFFF to boost nematode control in various cropping systems. It is anticipated that long-term use of BSFFF or chitin-fortified BSFFF will increase soil suppressiveness towards PCN through residual effects, and eliminate requirements for synthetic nematicides in potato cropping systems. Farmers are, therefore, encouraged to adopt chitin-fortified BSFFF as a regenerative organic fertilizer for sustainable potato production.

Although the growth and yield of potato achieved using the commercial organic fertilizer (SAFI) in this study was comparable to BSFFF and NPK+nematicide, its nematicidal efficacy was far below the values achieved using BSFFF, BSFFF+ 5 chitin and their combinations with NPK. This is because SAFI has a high C: N ratio (53.8), low total nitrogen content (0.53%), and does not contain chitin which boosts the nematicidal properties of the BSFFF. The adoption of such fertilizers is detrimental to sustainable potato production since their continuous use would cause a surge in soil nematode populations and decrease potato yields due to high soil nematode infestation. Future studies are warranted to understand the relationship between soil nutrient availability, soil nematode population densities, potato plant performance, and tolerance to PCN. To enhance sustainable management of PCN, future studies should explore the integration of BSFFF formulations with regenerative control methods such as trap crops, endophytic fungi (Kisaakye et al., 2023), and wrap and plant technology using banana fiber paper (Ochola et al., 2022).

5 Conclusion

This study has demonstrated the effectiveness of chitin-fortified BSFFF as a multipurpose and regenerative organic soil amendment for improving potato growth and yield, as well as enhancing sustainable management of the devastating potato cyst nematodes. The benefits of BSFFF+5% chitin extend to sufficient nutrient supply and boost soil health, showing huge promise as a complement or substitute to conventional commercial fertilizers and nematicides currently used in potato production. The adoption of this novel strategy for soil amendment will reduce reliance on synthetic fertilizers and nematicides which are costly with harmful impacts to environmental and human health. Therefore, integrating frass fertilizer as an innovative nature-based solution geared at harnessing ecological processes to keep below-ground pests in check, maintain fertility, and prevent loss of soil nutrients and organic matter is crucial. However, multilocational field trials are warranted to validate these findings, elucidate the mechanisms of nematode suppression in soils amended with BSFFF and chitin-fortified BSFFF, determine the mid to long-term effects of BSFFF on soil health and nematode management, as well as evaluate the economic value of chitin-fortified BSFFF compared to other approaches.

Data availability statement

The original contributions presented in the study are included in the article/supplementary material. Further inquiries can be directed to the corresponding authors.

Author contributions

EA: Conceptualization, Investigation, Methodology, Validation, Visualization, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing, Data curation, Formal analysis, Software. DB: Conceptualization, Data curation, Formal analysis, Investigation, Methodology, Software, Validation, Visualization, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing, Supervision. BM: Conceptualization, Supervision, Validation, Visualization, Writing – review & editing, Resources. NK: Conceptualization, Resources, Supervision, Validation, Visualization, Writing – review & editing, Methodology. SH: Conceptualization, Methodology, Resources, Supervision, Validation, Visualization, Writing – review & editing, Investigation. XC: Methodology, Resources, Validation, Visualization, Writing – review & editing, Data curation, Formal analysis, Software. MN: Methodology, Resources, Validation, Visualization, Writing – review & editing, Investigation, Project administration. PP: Investigation, Methodology, Resources, Validation, Visualization, Writing – review & editing, Formal analysis, Software. SS: Resources, Software, Validation, Visualization, Writing – review & editing, Project administration. AT: Project administration, Resources, Validation, Visualization, Writing – review & editing. BK: Project administration, Resources, Validation, Visualization, Writing – review & editing, Investigation, Methodology, Software, Supervision. CT: Investigation, Methodology, Project administration, Resources, Supervision, Validation, Visualization, Writing – review & editing, Conceptualization, Funding acquisition, Writing – original draft.

Funding

The author(s) declare financial support was received for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article. The authors gratefully acknowledge the financial support for this research by the following organizations and agencies: Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) (ProteinAfrica –Grant No: LS/2020/154), Novo Nordisk Foundation (RefIPro: NNF22SA0078466), the Rockefeller Foundation (WAVE-IN—Grant No: 2021 FOD 030), Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (INV-032416), IKEA Foundation (G-2204-02144), European Commission (HORIZON 101060762 NESTLER and HORIZON 101136739 INNOECOFOOD), Postcode Lottery, Sweden (Waste for Cash Eco Project (WACEP-PJ1651) the Curt Bergfors Foundation Food Planet Prize Award; the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC); the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad); the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), and the Government of the Republic of Kenya. The views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the official opinion of the donors.

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank all the staff and technicians from the Insects for Food, Feed, and Other Uses Program (INSEFF) and Nematology laboratory (NEMAFRICA) at icipe, Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) Tigoni, for providing technical support during the study.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Generative AI statement

The author(s) declare that no Generative AI was used in thecreation of this manuscript.

Publisher’s note

All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article, or claim that may be made by its manufacturer, is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.

References

Abiya, A. A., Kupesa, D. M., Beesigamukama, D., Kassie, M., Mureithi, D., Thairu, D., et al. (2022). Agronomic Performance of Kale (Brassica oleracea) and Swiss Chard (Beta vulgaris) Grown on Soil Amended with Black Soldier Fly Frass Fertilizer under Wonder Multistorey Gardening System. Agron. 12. doi: 10.3390/agronomy12092211

Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

Ali, N. I., Siddiqui, I. A., Shaukat, S. S., Zaki, M. J. (2002). Nematicidal activity of some strains of Pseudomonas spp. Soil Biol. Biochem. 34, 10511058. doi: 10.1016/S0038-0717(02)00029-9

Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

Anedo, E. O., Beesigamukama, D., Mochoge, B., Korir, N. K., Haukeland, S., Cheseto, X., et al. (2024). Evolving dynamics of insect frass fertilizer for sustainable nematode management and potato production. Front. Plant Sci. 15. doi: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1343038

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

Anyega, A. O., Korir, N. K., Beesigamukama, D., Changeh, G. J., Nkoba, K., Subramanian, S., et al. (2021). Black soldier fly-composted organic fertilizer enhances growth, yield, and nutrient quality of three key vegetable crops in sub-Saharan africa. Front. Plant Sci. 12. doi: 10.3389/fpls.2021.680312

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

Asnake, D., Alemayehu, M., Asredie, S. (2023). Growth and tuber yield responses of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) varieties to seed tuber size in northwest highlands of Ethiopia. Heliyon 9, e14586. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e14586

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

Barragan-Fonseca, K. Y., Greenberg, L. O., Gort, G., Dicke, M., Loon, J. J., Van., A. (2023). Amending soil with insect exuviae improves herbivore tolerance, pollinator attraction and seed yield of Brassica nigra plants. Agriculture Ecosyst. Environ. 342, 19. doi: 10.1016/j.agee.2022.108219

Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

Barragan-Fonseca, K. Y., Nurfikari, A., van de Zande, E. M., Wantulla, M., van Loon, J. J. A., de Boer, W., et al. (2022). Insect frass and exuviae to promote plant growth and health. Trends Plant Science. doi: 10.1016/j.tplants.2022.01.007

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

Beesigamukama, D., Mochoge, B., Korir, N. K., Fiaboe, K. K. M., Nakimbugwe, D., Khamis, F. M., et al. (2020a). Exploring black soldier fly frass as novel fertilizer for improved growth, yield, and nitrogen use efficiency of maize under field conditions. Front. Plant Science. doi: 10.3389/fpls.2020.574592

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

Beesigamukama, D., Mochoge, B., Korir, N., Ghemoh, C. J., Subramanian, S., Tanga, C. M. (2021). In situ nitrogen mineralization and nutrient release by soil amended with black soldier fly frass fertilizer. Sci. Rep. 11. doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-94269-3

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

Beesigamukama, D., Mochoge, B., Korir, N., Musyoka, M. W., Fiaboe, K. K. M., Nakimbugwe, D., et al. (2020b). Nitrogen fertilizer equivalence of black soldier fly frass fertilizer and synchrony of nitrogen mineralization for maize production. Agronomy 10. doi: 10.3390/agronomy10091395

Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

Beesigamukama, D., Tanga, C. M., Sevgan, S., Ekesi, S., Kelemu, S. (2023a). Waste to value: Global perspective on the impact of entomo-composting on environmental health, greenhouse gas mitigation and soil bioremediation. Sci. Total Environ. 902, 166067. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166067

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

Berrahia, S., Sellami, S. (2022). Life cycle of potato cyst nematode, globodera rostochiensis and effect of population densities on potato growth and yield in Algeria. J. Agric. Sci. Technol. 24, 977–988. Available online at: http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-47143-en.html (Accessed July 20, 2024).

Google Scholar

Beusch, C. (2021). Biochar as a soil ameliorant: how biochar properties benefit soil fertility: A review. J. Geosci. Evironment Prot. 9, 2846. doi: 10.4236/gep.2021.910003

Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

Boudabbous, K., Hammami, S. B. M., Toukabri, W., Bouhaouel, I., Ayed, S., Fraihi, W., et al. (2023). Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae frass organic fertilizer improves soil quality and the productivity of durum wheat. Commun. Soil Sci. Plant Anal. 54, 24912507. doi: 10.1080/00103624.2023.2227208

Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

Carroll, A., Fitzpatrick, M., Hodge, S. (2023). The effects of two organic soil amendments, biochar and insect frass fertilizer, on shoot growth of cereal seedlings. Plants 2023, (12)1071. doi: 10.3390/plants12051071

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

Chepkorir, A., Beesigamukama, D., Gitari, H. I., Chia, S. Y., Subramanian, S., Ekesi, S., et al. (2024). Insect frass fertilizer as a regenerative input for improved biological nitrogen fixation and sustainable bush bean production. Front. Plant Sci. 15. doi: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1460599

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

Chianu, J. N., Chianu, J. N., Mairura, F. (2012). Mineral fertilizers in the farming systems of sub-Saharan Africa. A review. Agron. Sustain. Dev. 32, 545566. doi: 10.1007/s13593-011-0050-0

Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

CIP (2019). Farming success with potatoes in Kenya. Available online at: https://cipotato.org/media/farming-success-potatoes-Kenya/2019 (Accessed December 10, 2024).

Google Scholar

Coyne, D. L., Cortada, L., Dalzell, J. J., Claudius-Cole, A. O., Haukeland, S., Luambano, N., et al. (2018a). Plant-parasitic nematodes and food security in Sub-Saharan Africa. Annu. Rev. Phytopathol. 56, 381403. doi: 10.1146/annurev-phyto-080417-045833

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

Coyne, D. L., Nicol, J. M., Claudius-Cole, B. (2018b). Practical plant nematology: A field and laboratory guide. 3rd edition (Ibadan, Nigeria: International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA). Coyne).

Google Scholar

Cronin, D., Loccoz, Y. M., Febton, A., Dunne, C., Dowling, D. N., Gara, F. O. (1997). Role of 2,4-diacetyl phloroglucinol in the interactions of the biocontrol Pseudomonas strain F113 with the potato cyst nematode. Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 63, 1351–1361. doi: 10.1128/aem.63.4.1357-1361.1997

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

Devrajan, K., Seenivasan, N., Selval, N., Rajendl, G. (2004). An integrated approach for the management of potato cyst nematodes, globodera rostochiensis and G pallida in India. Nematol. medit 32, 67–70. Available online at: https://journals.flvc.org/nemamedi/article/download/86767/83683/0 (Accessed April 22, 2024).

Google Scholar

Ebrahimi, N., Viaene, N., Vandecasteele, B., D’Hose, T., Debode, J., Cremelie, P., et al. (2016). Traditional and new soil amendments reduce survival and reproduction of potato cyst nematodes, except for biochar. Appl. Soil Ecol. 107, 191–204. doi: 10.1016/j.apsoil.2016.06.006

Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

ELD. (2015). Report for policy and decision makers: Reaping Economic and Environmental Benefits from Sustainable Land Management. Bonn, Germany: Economics of Land Degradation (ELD) Initiative. Available online at: https://www.eld-initiative.org (Accessed March 20, 2024).

Google Scholar

European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organisation. (2013). PM 7/119 (1) nematode extraction. EPPO Bull. 43, 471–495. doi: 10.1111/epp.12077

Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

FAO, ITPS. (2015). Status of the world’s soils (Rome, Italy: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and Intergovernmental Technical Panel on Soils).

Google Scholar

Fuhrmann, A., Wilde, B., Conz, R. F., Speciose, K., Konlambigue, M., Masengesho, B., et al. (2022). Residues from black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae rearing influence the plant-associated soil microbiome in the short term. Front. Microbiol. 13. doi: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.994091

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

Gebremikael, M. T., Wickeren, N., Hosseini, P. S., De Neve, S. (2022). The impacts of black soldier fly frass on nitrogen availability, microbial activities, C sequestration, and plant growth. Front. Sustain. Food Syst. 6. doi: 10.3389/fsufs.2022.795950

Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

Gentile, R., Vanlauwe, B., Chivenge, P., Six, J. (2008). Interactive effects from combining fertilizer and organic residue inputs on nitrogen transformations. Soil Biol. Biochem. 40, 2375–2384. doi: 10.1016/j.soilbio.2008.05.018

Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

Gram, G., Roobroeck, D., Pypers, P., Six, J., Merckx, R., Vanlauwe, B. (2020). Combining organic and mineral fertilizers as a climate-smart integrated soil fertility management practice in sub-Saharan Africa: A meta-analysis. PloS One 15, 130. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0239552

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

Hahn, T., Tafi, E., Paul, A., Salvia, R., Falabella, P., Zibek, S. (2020). Current state of chitin purification and chitosan production from insects. J. Chem. Technol. Biotechnol. 95, 2775–2795. doi: 10.1002/jctb.6533

Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

Hallmann, J., Rodriguez-Kabana, R., Kloepper, J. W. (1999). Chitin-mediated changes in bacterial communities of the soil, rhizosphere and within roots of cotton in relation to nematode control. Soil Biol. Biochem. 31, 551 560. doi: 10.1016/S0038-0717(98)00146-1

Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

Hodge, S., Conway, J. (2022). The effects of insect frass fertilizer and biochar on the shoot growth of chicory and plantain, two forage herbs commonly used in multispecies swards. Agronomy 12, 2459. doi: 10.3390/agronomy12102459

Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

Hu, T., Wei, J., Du, L., Chen, J., Zhang, J. (2023). The effect of biochar on nitrogen availability and bacterial community in farmland. Ann. Microbiol. 73, 4. doi: 10.1186/s13213-022-01708-1

Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

Hussain, F., Shaukat, S. S., Abid, M., Usman, F., Akbar, M. (2013). Control of Meloidogyne javanica and Fusarium solani in chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) with the application of chitin. Pakistan J. Nematol. 31, 165–170.

Google Scholar

Jin, R. D., Suh, J. W., Park, R. D., Kim, Y. W., Krishnan, H. B., Kim, K. Y. (2005). Effect of chitin compost and broth on biological control of Meloidogyne incognita on tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.). Nematology 7, 125–132. doi: 10.1163/1568541054192171

Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

Jung, W. J., Jung, S. J., An, K. N., Jin, Y. L., Park, R. D., Kim, K. Y., et al. (2002). Effect of chitinase-producing Paenibacillus illinoisensis KJA-424 on egg hatching of root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita). J. Microbiol. Biotechnol. 12, 865–871.

Google Scholar

Kafle, K., Shriwastav, C. P., Marasini, M. (2019). Influence of integrated nutrient management practices on soil properties and yield of potato (Solanum tuberosum. L) in an Inceptisol of Khajura, Banke. Int. J. Appl. Sci. Biotechnol. 7, 365–369. doi: 10.3126/ijasbt.v7i3.25134

Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

Kemboi, V. J., Kipkoech, C., Njire, M., Were, S., Lagat, M. K., Ndwiga, F., et al. (2022). Biocontrol potential of chitin and chitosan extracted from black soldier fly pupal exuviae against bacterial wilt of tomato. Microorganisms 10. doi: 10.3390/microorganisms10010165

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

Kisaakye, J., Beesigamukama, D., Haukeland, S., Subramanian, S., Thiongo, P. K., Kelemu, S., et al. (2024). Chitin-enriched insect frass fertilizer as a biorational alternative for root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) management. Front. Plant Sci. 15. doi: 10.3389/fpls.2024.136173

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

Kisaakye, J., Fourie, H., Coyne, D., Cortada, L., Khamis, F. M., Subramanian, S., et al. (2023). Endophytic fungi improve management of the burrowing nematode in banana (Musa spp.) through enhanced expression of defence-related genes. Nematology 25, 427–442. doi: 10.1163/15685411-bja10229

Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

Knowles, O., Dawson, A. (2018). “Current soil sampling methods - a review,” in Farm environmental planning Science, policy and practice. Eds. Currie, L. D., Christensen, C. L. (Occasional Report No. 31. Fertilizer and Lime Research Centre, Massey Universit, Palmerston North, New Zealand), 11. Available online at: http://flrc.massey.ac.nz/publications.html (Accessed December 11, 2024).

Google Scholar

Kopittke, P. M., Menzies, N. W., Wang, P., Mckenna, B. A., Lombi, E. (2019). Soil and the intensification of agriculture for global food security. Environ. Int. 132, 105078. doi: 10.1016/j.envint.2019.105078

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

Krah, K., Michelson, H., Perge, E., Jindal, R. (2019). Constraints to adopting soil fertility management practices in Malawi: A choice experiment approach. World Dev. 124, 117. doi: 10.1016/j.worlddev.2019.104651

Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

Lagat, M. K., Were, S., Ndwigah, F., Kemboi, V. J., Kipkoech, C., Tanga, C. M. (2021). Antimicrobial pp Activity of Chemically and Biologically Treated Chitosan Prepared from Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Pupal Shell Waste. Microorganisms 9, 115. doi: 10.3390/microorganisms9122417

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

Li, L., Kaufmann, M., Makechemu, M., Van Poucke, C., De Keyser, E., Uyttendaele, M., et al. (2023). Assessment of transcriptional reprogramming of lettuce roots in response to chitin soil amendment. Front. Plant Sci. 14. doi: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1158068

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

Liverpool-Tasie, L. S. O., Omonona, B. T., Sanou, A., Ogunleye, W. (2015). “Is increasing inorganic fertilizer use in Sub-Saharan Africa a profitable proposition? Evidence from Nigeria. (February 1, 2015),” in Worl bank policy research working paper, (7201). Washington DC. doi: 10.1596/1813-9450-7201

Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

López-Robles, J., Olalla, C., Rad, C., Díez-Rojo, M. A., López-Pérez, J. A., Bello, ,. A., et al. (2013). The use of liquid swine manure for the control of potato cyst nematode through soil disinfestation in laboratory conditions. Crop Prot. 49, 17. doi: 10.1016/j.cropro.2013.03.004

Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

Luis Moreno, J., Bastida, F., Díaz-López, M., Li, Y., Zhou, Y., López-Mondéjar, R., et al. (2022). Response of soil chemical properties, enzyme activities and microbial communities to biochar application and climate change in a Mediterranean agroecosystem. Geoderma 407, 115536. doi: 10.1016/j.geoderma.2021.115536

Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

Maneva, S., Trifonova, Z. (2015). Globodera rostochiensis population density effect on potato growth and yield. Regression models estimation. Bulgarian J. Agric. Sci. 21, 815–821. Available online at: https://www.agrojournal.org/21/04-19.pdf (Accessed Feburary 26, 2024).

Google Scholar

Mburu, H., Cortada, L., Haukeland, S., Ronno, W., Nyongesa, M., Kinyua, Z., et al. (2020). Potato cyst nematodes: A new threat to potato production in east africa. Front. Plant Sci. 11. doi: 10.3389/fpls.2020.00670

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

Mburu, H., Cortada, L., Mwangi, G., Gitau, K., Kiriga, A., Kinyua, Z., et al. (2018). First report of potato cyst nematode Globodera pallida (Ston) infecting potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) in Kenya. Plant Dis. 102, 1671–1671. doi: 10.1094/PDIS-11-17-1777-PDN

Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

Menino, R., Felizes, F., Castelo-Branco, M. A., Fareleira, P., Moreira, O., Nunes, R., et al. (2021). Agricultural value of Black Soldier Fly larvae frass as organic fertilizer on ryegrass. Heliyon 7. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e05855

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

Mian, I. H., Godoy, G., Shelby, R. A., Rodriguez-Kabana, R., Morgan-Jones, G. (1982). Chitin Amendments for Control of Meloidogyne arenaria in Infested Soil. Nematropica 12, 71–84. Available online at: https://journals.flvc.org/nematropica/article/view/63767.

Google Scholar

Montanarella, L., Pennock, D. J., McKenzie, N., Badraoui, M., Chude, V., Baptista, I., et al. (2016). World’s soils are under threat. Soil 2, 79–82. doi: 10.5194/soil-2-79-2016

Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

Mugo, J. N., Karanja, N. N., Gachene, C. K., Dittert, K., Nyawade, S. O., Schulte-Geldermann, E. (2020). Assessment of soil fertility and potato crop nutrient status in central and eastern highlands of Kenya. Sci. Rep. 10. doi: 10.1038/s41598020-64036-x

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

Muthoni, J., Kabira, J. N. (2010). Effects of crop rotation on soil macronutrient content and pH in potato producing areas in Kenya: Case study of KARI Tigoni station. J. Soil Sci. Environ. Manage. 1, 227–233. Available online at: https://academicjournals.org/journal/JSSEM/article-full-text-pdf/9A3E81410199 (Accessed May 12, 2024).

Google Scholar

Mwaheb, M. A. M. A., Hussain, M., Tian, J., Zhang, X., Hamid, M. I., El-Kassim, N. A., et al. (2017). Synergetic suppression of soybean cyst nematodes by chitosan and Hirsutella minnesotensis via the assembly of the soybean rhizosphere microbial communities. Biol. Control 115, 8594. doi: 10.1016/j.biocontrol.2017.09.011

Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

Mwangi, J. M., Kariuki, G. M., Waceke, J. W., Grundler, F. M. (2015). First report of Globodera rostochiensis infesting potatoes in Kenya. New Dis. Rep. 31, 18. doi: 10.5197/j.2044-0588.2015.031.018

Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

National Potato Council of Kenya (2020). Climate Resilient Potato Production Handbook: A guide for farmers and trainers (Nairobi: National potato council of Kenya).

Google Scholar

Ndambi, O. A., Pelster, D. E., Owino, J. O., de Buisonjé, F., Vellinga, T. (2019). Manure management practices and policies in sub-saharan africa: implications on manure quality as a fertilizer. Front. Sustain. Food Syst. 3. doi: 10.3389/fsufs.2019.00029

Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

Nico, A. I., Jiménez-Díaz, R. M., Castillo, P. (2004). Control of root-knot nematodes by composted agro-industrial wastes in potting mixtures. Crop Prot. 23, 581587. doi: 10.1016/j.cropro.2003.11.005

Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

Nyang’au, M. N., Akutse, K. S., Khamis, F., Charimbu, M. K., Haukeland, ,. S. (2023). Biodiversity and efficacy of fungal isolates associated with Kenyan populations of potato cyst nematode (Globodera spp.). Biol. Control 186, 105328. doi: 10.2139/ssrn.4051518

Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

Nyawade, S. O., Karanja, N. N., Gachene, C. K. K., Gitari, H. I., Schulte-Geldermann, E., Parker, M. L. (2019). ). Intercropping optimizes soil temperature and increases crop water productivity and radiation use efficiency of rainfed potato. Am. J. Potato Res. 96, 457471. doi: 10.1007/s12230-019-09737-4

Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

Ochola, J., Cortada, L., Mwaura, O., et al. (2022). Wrap-and-plant technology to manage sustainably potato cyst nematodes in East Africa. Nat. Sustain 5, 425–433. doi: 10.1038/s41893-022-00852-5

Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

Oka, Y. (2010). Mechanisms of nematode suppression by organic soil amendments-A review. Applied Soil Ecology 44 (2), 101–115. doi: 10.1016/j.apsoil.2009.11.003

Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

Oka, Y., Yermiyahu, U. (2002). Suppressive effects of composts against the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne javanica on tomato. Nematology 4, 891898. doi: 10.1163/156854102321122502

Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

Okalebo, J. R., Kenneth, W. G., Woomer, P. L. W. (2002). Laboratory Methods of Soil and Plant analysis: A working manuel. 2nd edn (Nairobi, Kenya: TSBF-CIAT and Sacred Africa), 132.

Google Scholar

Otieno, H. M. O., Mageto, E. K. (2021). A review on yield response to nitrogen, potassium and manure applications in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) production. Arch. Agric. Environ. Sci. 6, 8086. doi: 10.26832/24566632.2021.0601011

Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

Phom, P. Y., David, A. A., Narendra Swaroop, N., Thomas, T. (2018). Effect of different levels of NPK and FYM on the physico-chemical properties of soil growth and yield of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) cv. Kufri Badshah. Int. J. Chem. Stud. 6, 631–636. Available online at: https://www.chemijournal.com/archives/2018/vol6issue4/PartL/6-4-69-742.pdf (Accessed December 12, 2024).

Google Scholar

Price, J. A., Coyne, D., Blok, V. C., Jones, J. T. (2021). Potato cyst nematodes Globodera rostochiensis and G. pallida. Mol. Plant Pathol. 22, 495507. doi: 10.1111/mpp.13047

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

Quilliam, R. S., Nuku Adeku, C., Maquart, P., Little, D., Newton, R., Murray, F. (2020). Integrating insect fr ss biofertilizers into sustainable peri-urban agro food systems. J. Insects as Food Feed 6, 315322. doi: 10.3920/JIFF2019.0049

Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

Raimi, A., Adeleke, R., Roopnarain, ,. A. (2017). Soil fertility challenges and Biofertiliser as a viable alternative for increasing smallholder farmer crop productivity in sub-Saharan Africa. Cogent Food Agric. 3. doi: 10.1080/23311932.2017.1400933

Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

R Core Team (2024). R: A language and environment for statistical computing (Vienna, Austria: R Foundation for Statistical Computing). Available online at: https://www.R-project.org/.

Google Scholar

Renčo, M., Kováčik, P. (2015). Assessment of the nematicidal potential of vermicompost, vermicompost tea, and urea application on the potato cyst nematodes Globodera rostochiensis and Globodera pallida. J. Plant Prot. Res. 55, 187192. doi: 10.1515/jppr-2015-0025

Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

Renčo, M., Kováčik, P., Atungwu, J. J. (2016). Reduction of a potato cyst nematode by organic soil amendments at different intial nematode density. J. Organic Agric. Environ. 4 (1), 98109. Available online at: https://oaptin.org.ng/journal/index.php/joaen/article/view/10 (Accessed February 10, 2024).

Google Scholar

Renčo, M., Sasanelli, N., D’Addabbo, T., Papajová, I. (2010). Soil nematode community changes associated with compost amendments. Nematology 12, 681692. doi: 10.1163/138855409X12584413195491

Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

Rodriguez-Kabana, R. (1986). Organic and Inorganic Nitrogen amendments to soil as Nematode suppressants. J. Nematol. 18, 129–134.

PubMed Abstract | Google Scholar

Rodriguez-Kabana, R., Morgan-Jones, G., Chet, I. (1987). Biological control of nematodes: Soil amendments and microbial antagonists. Plant Soil 100 (1), 237–247. doi: 10.1007/BF02370944

Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

Rodriguez-Kabana, R., Morgan-Jones, G., Ownley Ginis, B. (1984). Effects of Chitin Amendments to Soil on Heterodera glycines, Microbial Populations, and Colonization of Cysts by Fungi. Nematropica 14, 1024. Available online at: https://journals.flvc.org/nematropica/article/view/63825 (Accessed February 12, 2024).

Google Scholar

Rop, K., Karuku, G. N., Nduhiu, C. W. (2022). Evaluation of physico-chemical properties and P sorption characteristics of soil with different land use in tigoni, kiambu county, central Kenya. Trop. Subtropical Agroecosystems 25, 111. doi: 10.56369/tsaes.4062

Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

Sabarwal, A., Kumar, K., Singh, R. P. (2018). Hazardous effects of chemical pesticides on human health–Cancer and other associated disorders. Environ. Toxicol. Pharmacol. 63, 103–114. doi: 10.1016/j.etap.2018.08.018

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

Sarathchandra, S. U., Watson, R. N., Cox, N. R., Di Menna, M. E., Brown, J. A., Burch, G., et al. (1996). Effects of chitin amendment of soil on microorganisms, nematodes, and growth of white clover (Trifolium repens L.) and perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.). Biol. Fertility Soils 22, 221–226. doi: 10.1007/BF00382516

Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

Shumo, M., Osuga, I. M., Khamis, F. M., Tanga, C. M., Fiaboe, K. K. M., Subramanian, S., et al. (2019). The nutritive value of black soldier fly larvae reared on common organic waste streams in Kenya. Sci. Rep. 9, 113. doi: 10.1038/s41598-019-46603-z

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

Singh, H., Northup, B. K., Rice, C. W., Vara Prasad, P. V. (2022). Biochar applications influence soil physical and chemical properties, microbial diversity, and crop productivity: a meta-analysis. Biochar 4 (1), 3. doi: 10.1007/s42773-022-00138-1

Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

Spiegel, Y., Chet, I., Cohn, E., Galper, S., Sharon, E. (1988). Use of chitin for controlling plant-parasitic nematodes: III. Influence of temperature on nematicidal effect, mineralization and microbial population buildup. Plant Soil 109 109, 251256. Available online at: https://www.jstor.org/stable/42937562 (Accessed February 12, 2024).

Google Scholar

Stewart, Z. P., Zachary, P., Pierzynski, M., Jan Middendorf, B., Vara Prasad, P. V. (2020). Approaches to improve soil fertility in sub-Saharan Africa. J. Exp. Bot. 71, 632–641. doi: 10.1093/jxb/erz446

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

Suh, C., Meka, S. S., Ngome, A. F., Neba, D. A., Kemngwa, I. T., Sonkouat, A. D., et al. (2015). Effects of organic and inorganic fertilizers on growth and yield of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) in the western highlands of Cameroon. Int. J. Dev. Res. 5, 3584–3588.

Google Scholar

Tanga, C. M., Beesigamukama, D., Kassie, M., Egonyu, P. J., Ghemoh, C. J., Nkoba, K., et al. (2021). Performance of black soldier fly frass fertiliser on maize (Zea mays L.) growth, yield, nutritional quality, and economic returns. J. Insects as Food Feed 8, 185196. doi: 10.3920/JIFF2021.0012

Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

Tanga, C. M., Kababu, M. O. (2023). New insights into the emerging edible insect industry in Africa. Anim. Front. 13, 26–40. doi: 10.1093/af/vfad039

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

ten Berge, H. F. M., Hijbeek, R., van Loon, M. P., Rurinda, J., Tesfaye, K., Zingore, S., et al. (2019). Maize crop nutrient input requirements for food security in sub-Saharan Africa. Global Food Secur. 23, 921. doi: 10.1016/j.gfs.2019.02.001

Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

Thoden, T. C., Korthals, G. W., Termorshuizen, A. J. (2011). Organic amendments and their influences on plant-parasitic and free-living nematodes: A promising method for nematode management. Nematology 13, 133–153. doi: 10.1163/138855410X541834

Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

Touray, M., Harun, C., Gulsen, S. H., Ulug, D., Erdogus, D., Shapiro-Ilan, D., et al. (2021). The impact of chemicaL nematicides on entomopathogenic nematode survival and infectivity. J. Nematol. 53, 1 17. doi: 10.21307/jofnem-2021-049

Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

Tully, K., Sullivan, C., Weil, R., Sanchez, P. (2015). The State of soil degradation in sub-Saharan Africa: Baselines, trajectories, and solutions. Sustainability Vol. 7, 6523–6552). doi: 10.3390/su7066523

Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

van de Zande, E. M., Wantulla, M., van Loon, J. J. A., Dicke, M. (2024). Soil amendment with insect frass and exuviae affects rhizosphere bacterial community, shoot growth and carbon/nitrogen ratio of a brassicaceous plant. Plant Soil 495, 631–648. doi: 10.1007/s11104-023-06351-6

Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

Vanitha, S., Shanthi, A., Mhatre, P. H., Anita, B., Kalaiarasan, P., Marimuthu, P., et al. (2019). Studies on Pathogenicity of Potato cyst Nematode, Globodera rostochiensis and G. pallida on Potato. Int. J. Curr. Microbiol. Appl. Sci. 8, 624–630. doi: 10.20546/ijcmas.2019.806.072

Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

VIB (2019). Potato in africa. Fact sheets. Available online at: http://www.vib.be/VIBDocumentLibrary/VIB_Facts%20Series_Potato%20in%20Africa%20LR.pdf (Accessed February 8, 2024).

Google Scholar

Wantulla, M., Loon, J. J., Van, A., Dicke, M. (2023a). Soil amendment with insect exuviae causes species-specific changes in the rhizosphere bacterial community of cabbage plants. Appl. Soil Ecol. 188, .104854. doi: 10.1016/j.apsoil.2023.104854

Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

Wantulla, M., Zadelhoff, K., Van, Loon, J., Van, J. A., Dicke, M. (2023b). potential of soil amendment with insect exuviae and frass to control the cabbage root fly. J. Appl. Entomology 147, 191. doi: 10.1111/jen.13097

Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

Wawire, A. W., Csorba, Á., Tóth, J. A., Michéli, E., Szalai, M., Mutuma, E., et al. (2021). Soil fertility management among smallholder farmers in Mount Kenya East region. Heliyon 7. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e06488

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

WFP (World food programme) (2022). Estimated likely impact of increased fertilizer prices on cereal production in eastern africa during 2022 cropping year. Available online at: https://www.resiliencelinks.org/resources/reports/estimatedlikelyimpactincreasedfertilizerpricescerealproduction (Accessed 20/09/2023).

Google Scholar

Wheeler, R. M., Tibbitts, T. W., Fitzpatrick, A. H. (1989). Potato growth in response to relative humidity. HortScience 24, 482–484. doi: 10.21273/hortsci.24.3.482

Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

Wortmann, C. S., Kaizzi, K. C., Maman, N., Cyamweshi, A., Dicko, M., Garba, M., et al. (2019). Diagnosis of crop secondary and micro-nutrient deficiencies in sub-Saharan Africa. Nutr. Cycl. Agroecosystems 113, 127–140. doi: 10.1007/s10705-018-09968-7

Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

Zhang, D., Wang, H., Ji, X., Wang, K., Wang, D., Qiao, K. (2017). Effect of abamectin on the cereal cyst nematode (CCN, heterodera avenae) and wheat yield. Plant Dis. 101, 973–976. doi: 10.1094/PDIS-10-16-1441-RE

PubMed Abstract | Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar

Zhou, Z., Zhang, S., Jiang, N., Xiu, W., Zhao, J., Dianlin, Y. (2022). Effects of organic fertilizer incorporation practices on crops yield, soil quality, and soil fauna feeding activity in the wheat-maize rotation system. Front. Environ. Sci. 10, 113. doi: 10.3389/fenvs.2022.1058071

Crossref Full Text | Google Scholar