Effect of Probiotics on Larval Development and Resistance against the Fungal Pathogen .

In recent years, the yellow mealworm ( L.) has demonstrated its potential as a mass-produced edible insect for food and feed. However, challenges brought on by pathogens in intensive production systems are unavoidable and require the development of new solutions. One potential solution is the supplementation of probiotics in the insect's diet to obtain the double benefits of improved growth and enhanced immune response. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of diet-based probiotic supplementation on larval survival, growth, and resistance against a fungal pathogen. Three probiotic strains, namely KVL-B19-01 isolated from and two commercialized strains for traditional livestock, 669 and 597, were tested. Additionally, when larvae were 9 weeks old, a pathogen challenge experiment was conducted with the fungus . Results showed that both and improved larval growth and larval survival following fungal exposure compared to the non-supplemented control diet. Since did not improve larval performance in terms of either development or protection against , this study suggests the need for further research and evaluation of probiotic strains and their modes of action when considered as a supplement in 's diet.