Effect of Black Soldier Fly Larval Frass on Growth and Yield of Radish (Raphanus sativus L.)

Abstract

The utilization of Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larval frass as an organic manure is gaining more attention in sustainable agriculture because of it’s potential to improve soil fertility and promote circular economy. Frass, the excrement of BSF larvae, is rich in nutrients and is a derivative from the larvae's processing of organic waste materials. The present study was carried out at the Horticulture garden, College of Agriculture, Rajendranagar, Telangana, India, during the rabi season of 2023-24 to examine the impact of frass when compared to vermicompost in combination with inorganic fertilizers and their combination on the growth and yield parameters of radish. The experimental design employed was the Randomized Block Design with eight treatments and three replications. Among the growth parameters plant height (cm), number of leaves and dry matter production (g m-2) showed the highest values in the treatment 75% RDN + 25% N through black soldier fly larval frass at 20, 40 DAS and at harvest, which were comparable with 75% RDN + 25% N through vermicompost and Recommended dose of fertilizers. The lowest values were observed in untreated control. Similar trend was recorded in root length (19.95 cm), root diameter (2.96 cm), root girth (10.48 cm), fresh root weight (91.33 g plant-1) and yield (60.27 t ha-1) among the above treatments. The root length (11.74 cm), root diameter (1.45 cm), root girth (5.14 cm), fresh root weight (29.65 g plant-1) and yield (19.77 t ha-1) were notably lower in untreated control. Hence the BSF frass may be considered a suitable component in INM for production of radish.