Assessment of Antifungal/Anti-Oomycete Activity of Frass Derived from Black Soldier Fly Larvae to Control Plant Pathogens in Horticulture: Involvement of Bacillus velezensis

Frass, the residual material resulting from bioconversion of organic matter by black soldier fly larvae (BSFL), has gained attention as a sustainable alternative to conventional fertilizers due its high nutrient content. Additionally, frass been found possess antifungal properties, which can help control plant pathogens affecting horticultural crops. In this study, BSFL reared on Gainesville diet, universally employed reference/control was investigated in vitro for effect growth seven important fungal/oomycete pathogens. Dual culture overlay assays clearly showed that fresh diet extract, well extract derived contained microorganisms producing compound(s) strongly inhibit(s) mycelial Fungi and bacteria were then isolated using serial dilution technique. Among different fungi/bacteria isolated, isolate GV1-11 FGV15-6 demonstrated strong antifungal/anti-oomycete activity. Both isolates genetically identified whole-genome sequencing Bacillus velezensis, bacterium used biocontrol agent, suggesting B. is present survive process rearing one key factors contributing observed anti-oomycete activity frass. This work underlines importance inherent microbial characteristics feedstocks points out possibility exploiting