Comparing JM Green Breeding LED with Halogen Lamps

Introduction
The purpose of this experiment was to compare the performance of a 315W halogen lamp and the 150W JM Green Black Soldier Fly Breeding LED (Model BSF-4C-200-3030B). The experiments were performed independently by David Deruyttter at the Inagro research institute ([email protected]).
 
Methods
The Inagro Research Institute maintained an indoor black soldier fly colony on site using 315W halogen lamp in their Insect Pilot Plant. This population was used for this experiment. The test was performed in an indoor environment with no exposure to natural sunlight. The test was done in two cages with identical dimensions of 120Lx120Wx130H (cm) with the 10,000 of pupae introduced, and each cage was installed with one type of lighting source. The ambient conditions were maintained at 28°C and 80% RH. The experiment was performed three times.

Results
The total amount of eggs collected from each cage over the entire test period was recorded. The collected eggs from one cage were allocated to hatch together, and the pure neonates (1 or 2 days old) were weighted to calculate the hatching rate. The hatching rate was calculated based on the assumption that each egg weighted 0.025mg, and each neonate weighted 0.015mg (Cammack, 2016, unpublish data), so the neonate weight was 60% of the egg weight.
 
The hatching rate is then calculated by: 
"total neonate weight / (the amount of egg collected x 0.6) x 100%"

The viable eggs per wattage of the lighting source (E) is calculated by:
"the amount of egg collected x hatching rate / the wattage of the lighting source"

The E indicates the energy consumption requirement on the lighting source. The higher the value, the more efficient the light source.

JM Green Black Soldier Fly Breeding LED (Model BSF-4C-200-3030 series) comparing with effective 315W halogen lamp.

Halogen lamp test cage setup (credit to David Deruyttter)

Spectrum data to be posted once available

JM Green BSF Breeding LED test cage setup (credit to David Deruyttter)

Spectrum of JM Green Black Soldier Fly Breeding LED (Model BSF-4C-200-3030B with integrated hive cover)

Please note that the lighting source is just one of many factors that contribute to successful breeding of BSF. If colony management skill was not mastered, one should seek for reliable egg source nearby to start your farm operations.

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Author: Spring Yang
Editor: David Deruyttter