Circular economy of insect farming as an innovative strategy for weed management

Weeds can reduce crop yields by 19% to 100%, yet their management remains heavily dependent on synthetic herbicides, despite growing concerns about environmental pollution, biodiversity loss and risks to human health. Here, we provide a critical review on the ecological management of weeds through edible insect farming technologies. We analyse existing literature on the effects of weeds on crop production, the current weed management practices and factors influencing their efficacies. Furthermore, we present current studies on the potential for using insects as a nature-based approach for weed management, focusing on the nutritional quality of different weed species and properties that make weeds a suitable diet for edible insect production. Studies show that insects have the unique ability to consume multiple weed species, converting them into nutrient-rich biomass containing 35% to 61% crude protein, which is highly valuable for human diets and livestock feed. Insects fed on diets derived from weeds have a 34% to 100% growth rate, reproduction, survival and weight gain. Furthermore, the frass amendment derived from insect-based bioconversion of different weed species has been shown to improve soil health and crop yields, while also effectively suppressing pests, pathogens, and weeds. We provide recommendations on strategies for harnessing the full potential of weeds as diets for mass production of edible insects. This information is key in guiding researchers and policymakers in public and private sectors to advance insect-based technologies as an innovative and transformative approach for weed management, sustainable agriculture, food security and improved livelihoods through circular economy.