Insects as Food - The Opinion of Latvian Consumers
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 3, September 2019
Pages:
56-60
Received:
11 April 2019
Accepted:
11 July 2019
Published:
5 August 2019
Abstract: In Latvia people usually use animal products (most of all eggs, milk, meat and their products) as protein sources. An online survey was conducted to investigate Latvian consumers’ opinion about insects and larvae as new high-protein food. The questionnaires were filled in by 1,892 respondents speaking in Latvian at the age between 14 and 64, with an average age of 42 years, and gender distribution – 71% females and 29% males. Inhabitants of Latvia (about four fifths of the respondents) know that people are allowed to use both insects and larvae for their diet, however, 35% of all respondents could not mention the exact species of insects and larvae that are fit for human consumption. The grasshoppers and crickets were the most known edible insects for Latvian inhabitants. About a half of the Latvian consumers were not ready to supplement their daily menu with edible insects and larvae though respondents changed their attitudes when they had learned that the use of insects and larvae was important for the future and played an important role in keeping their environment cleaner and more enjoyable. A relatively small number of people were ready to start eating insects at once. In order to adapt this unusual source of protein to the inhabitants of Latvia, insects and larvae must be processed in powder form and presented in such a way that the shape of insects or their any part (leg, wings, horns, etc.) are not visible and there is no indication of the origin of the product.
Abstract: In Latvia people usually use animal products (most of all eggs, milk, meat and their products) as protein sources. An online survey was conducted to investigate Latvian consumers’ opinion about insects and larvae as new high-protein food. The questionnaires were filled in by 1,892 respondents speaking in Latvian at the age between 14 and 64, with a...
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Studies on the Harm, Flight Ability and Host Selection of Sirex noctilio
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 3, September 2019
Pages:
61-65
Received:
15 July 2019
Accepted:
20 August 2019
Published:
10 September 2019
Abstract: In order to determine the damaging characteristics of Sirex noctililo, we used five-point sampling mode to conduct a survey, investigating the number, characteristics, and vertical distribution of the emergence holes. We also studied the damaging characteristics of the larva in the forest farm where the pest naturally occurs. By conducting host preference research in a laboratory environment, we predicted the potential hosts of Sirex noctililo and observed the ovipositional behavior of female adults. The flight capacity of the adult Sirex noctililo of 1-7 days of age was tested for 24 hours in a Jiaduo flight mill system. Total flight distance, total flight duration, and average flight speed were recorded. According to the results, the emergence holes of Sirex noctililo were positively circular, and the diameter was about 2.10 - 7.00 mm and distributed in the trunk height of 0 - 4. 20 m, having distinct difference with that of the emergence holes of other species of borer pests. he larvae's tunnels displayed circular cross-sections and were filled with feces and xylem-colored bore dust. Additionally, unlike some borers, the S. noctilio larvae's tunnels lacked fras holes. Sirex noctililo had a distinct preference for Pinus tabuliformi Carr. and Pinus massoniana Lamb. The one-day-old adults had maximized flight capacity, relying on which Sirex noctililo could spread 18.71 km annually. The study provides a reliable reference point for identifying and monitoring Sirex noctililo in the field in China. Moreover, the study preliminarily assesses the risk of Sirex noctililo continuing to spread.
Abstract: In order to determine the damaging characteristics of Sirex noctililo, we used five-point sampling mode to conduct a survey, investigating the number, characteristics, and vertical distribution of the emergence holes. We also studied the damaging characteristics of the larva in the forest farm where the pest naturally occurs. By conducting host pre...
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