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Plant Science Today (PST)

Research Articles

Vol. 13 No. sp5 (2026): Recent Advances in Agriculture

Influence of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens L.) larval frass manure on plant growth, soil health and economics of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)

DOI
https://doi.org/10.14719/pst.13141
Submitted
10 December 2025
Published
29-09-2026

Abstract

Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens L.; BSF) larval frass has recently been considered a superior organic nutrient source for sustainable crop production because of its balanced nutrient content, which facilitates the conversion of organic waste into effective fertiliser that enhances residue recycling. The present study aimed to compare the effects of BSF larval frass, vermicompost, farmyard manure (FYM) and chemical fertilisers on the growth, yield, soil health and economics of sunflower (Helianthus annus L.) during the rabi season of 2024–25 at the College Farm, Agricultural College, Jagtial, Telangana, India. The experimental design was conducted in randomised block design (RBD) with eight treatments, each replicated three times. Treatment, 75 % recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN) + 25 % N through BSF larval frass provided
the maximum plant height (196 cm), dry matter accumulation (980.5 g m-2), seed yield (2688 kg ha-1) and stalk yield (4278 kg ha-1) than all other treatments. The same treatment reported the highest oil content (43 %) and oil yield (748.68 kg ha-1), followed by 50 % RDN + 50 % N through vermicompost which was statistically on par with other treatments excluding control. Soil organic carbon content was maximum in 50 % RDN + 50 % N through vermicompost (0.55 %) and minimum in control. At the bud initiation and harvest stages, 75 % RDN + 25 % N through BSF larval frass recorded maximum uptake of N (69.8 and 81.9 kg ha-1), phosphorus (P) (14.9 and 14.5 kg ha-1) and potassium (K) (50.9 and 88.3 kg ha-1), while the minimum uptake was recorded in control. Urease and dehydrogenase activities were highest in 50 % RDN + 50 % N through vermicompost (39 and 36 μg g-1 soil hr-1) and lowest in the control (no nutrition application) (21 and 22 μg g-1 soil hr-1). The maximum gross returns (₹196242 ha-1), net returns (₹151361 ha-1) and benefit : cost (B : C) ratio (4.37) were recorded with the application of 75 % RDN + 25 % N through BSF larval frass, while the control obtained the lowest values (₹64258 ha-1, ₹37031 ha-1 and 2.36 respectively). The results revealed that BSF larval frass can be successfully combined with nutrient management practices for sunflower cultivation.

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