Solid-state fermentation of hemp waste: enhancing the performance of Hermetia illucens larvae and altering the composition of hemp secondary metabolites

Researchers tested whether fermenting hemp plant waste with different mushroom types could make it a better food source for black soldier fly larvae, which produce valuable protein for animal feed. They found that different mushroom species had different effects: Ganoderma lucidum significantly increased the amount of larvae produced, while Trichoderma reesei increased beneficial cannabinoid content. Pleurotus ostreatus and Hypsizygus ulmarius removed unwanted cannabinoids from the waste. This approach offers a promising way to turn hemp waste into high-quality insect feed while controlling the levels of bioactive compounds.