Whole-genome sequencing of two captive black soldier fly populations: Implications for commercial production

TY - JOUR

T1 - Whole-genome sequencing of two captive black soldier fly populations: Implications for commercial production

AU - Cai, Zexi

AU - Hansen, Laura Skrubbeltrang

AU - Laursen, Stine Frey

AU - Nielsen, Hanne Marie

AU - Bahrndorff, Simon

AU - Tomberlin, Jeffery K.

AU - Kristensen, Torsten Nygaard

AU - Sørensen, Jesper Givskov

AU - Sahana, Goutam

PY - 2024/9

Y1 - 2024/9

N2 - Black soldier fly (BSF; Hermetia illucens) is a promising insect species for food and feed production as its larvae can convert different organic waste to high-value protein. Selective breeding is one way to optimize production, but the potential of breeding is only starting to be explored and not yet utilized for BSF. To assist in monitoring a captive population and implementing a breeding program, genomics tools are imperative. We conducted whole genome sequencing of two captive populations separated by geographical distance - Denmark (DK) and Texas, USA (TX). Various population genetics analyses revealed a moderate genetic differentiation between two populations. Moreover, we observed higher inbreeding in the DK population, and the detection of a subpopulation within DK population aligned well with the recent foundation of the DK population from two captive populations. Additionally, we generated gene ontology annotation and variants annotation for wider potential applications. Our findings establish a robust marker set for research in population genetics, facilitating the monitoring of inbreeding and laying the groundwork for practical breeding programs for BSF.

AB - Black soldier fly (BSF; Hermetia illucens) is a promising insect species for food and feed production as its larvae can convert different organic waste to high-value protein. Selective breeding is one way to optimize production, but the potential of breeding is only starting to be explored and not yet utilized for BSF. To assist in monitoring a captive population and implementing a breeding program, genomics tools are imperative. We conducted whole genome sequencing of two captive populations separated by geographical distance - Denmark (DK) and Texas, USA (TX). Various population genetics analyses revealed a moderate genetic differentiation between two populations. Moreover, we observed higher inbreeding in the DK population, and the detection of a subpopulation within DK population aligned well with the recent foundation of the DK population from two captive populations. Additionally, we generated gene ontology annotation and variants annotation for wider potential applications. Our findings establish a robust marker set for research in population genetics, facilitating the monitoring of inbreeding and laying the groundwork for practical breeding programs for BSF.

KW - Black soldier fly

KW - Breeding

KW - Food and feed

KW - Insects

KW - Sustainability

KW - Whole genome sequencing

UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85196734498&partnerID=8YFLogxK

U2 - 10.1016/j.ygeno.2024.110891

DO - 10.1016/j.ygeno.2024.110891

M3 - Journal article

C2 - 38909907

SN - 0888-7543

VL - 116

JO - Genomics

JF - Genomics

IS - 5

M1 - 110891

ER -