Adding value to Marlborough waste streams using insect bioconversion

Online seminar - Wednesday 28 June, 1.30 – 2.30 pm

You are invited

This online seminar showcases recent research on insect bioconversion of waste streams generated by Marlborough-based industries.

The research investigates if higher value products like insect meal for use in aquafeeds can be successfully produced by feeding the larval stage of the beetle, Tenebrio molitor, commonly known as mealworms, on grape marc, a waste stream produced in large volumes by the wine industry. 

Insect meal is used as a partial replacement for fishmeal in aquafeeds, and preliminary research shows mealworms have the protein and fatty-acid profiles suitable for use in aquafeeds. Incorporating these insects that have been fed on local regional waste streams into aquafeeds is considerably more sustainable than using imported fishmeal and would contribute to the circular economy of Marlborough.

 

Presenters:

 

Jacqui Todd - Science Team Leader, Adaptive Entomology, Plant & Food Research, (PFR)

Jacqui Todd is an invertebrate ecologist interested in the interactions between organisms and the role invertebrates play in orchard ecosystems. This has led to an interest in decomposition by invertebrates and their ability to bioconvert organic and inorganic waste products.

 

Samuel Brown – Scientist, Adaptive Entomology, PFR

Samuel Brown is an entomologist with a broad knowledge and interest in insect biodiversity and biology. He has been leading a research aim on the potential of insects as a foundational ingredient for aquafeeds.

 

Katrina Fletcher – Research Technologist, Food & Bioproducts Technology, PFR

Katrina Fletcher leads a research programme on aquafeeds for open ocean aquaculture and the development of designer insect ingredients for New Zealand aquafeeds is a key research focus of this programme.

 

How to join

Join on your computer, mobile app or room device

Wednesday 28 June 2023 at 1.30 at this link:  

Click here to join the meeting

Meeting ID: 441 126 498 413
Passcode: sKAe4C

The seminar will be recorded and sent to attendees.