Mealworms with a Purpose Ian J. Roberts, Junior, Trinity High School, Kentucky Ms. Regina Hall, Research Assistant, CAFSSS Mr. Eric Turley, Co-Investigator, CAFSSS

The purpose of this research was to determine if a natural pesticide could be beneficial in the near future that would have no ill effect on the receiving plants nor the people who ultimately consume the product. In addition, we looked at and discussed ways to use the targeted pest as a source of food for animals and humans and as bait for fish.

Tenebrio Molitor is a cosmopolitan pest and is currently the most frequent inhabitant of liter and manure in turkey and broiler, and egg houses (Gould and Moses 1951, Pfeiffer and Axtell 1980, Salin 1999, Salin et. al 2003). Over the course of two weeks, I was fortunate enough to work with Ms. Regina Hill and her team in observing how to grow mealworms and how to take an in-depth look at a natural pesticide that would deter the pest from important crops. During this research we illustrated how to grow the pest to first get a better understanding of its life cycle. Depending on the food and temperature it receives, the resulting life cycle stages may vary. In addition we observed the various benefits of the pest when raised in ideal environmental conditions. A good example would be proper amounts and quality of foodstuffs.