Insects, the unparalleled champions of biodiversity on earth, play pivotal roles in our environment. They serve as nature’s workforce, delivering crucial services like pollination, pest control, and decomposition. Despite their monumental significance, they’ve been overshadowed in biodiversity studies, particularly in understanding nutrient cycles and overall environmental functionality. Yet, these tiny creatures wield immense influence, shaping the composition and dynamics of the environment across trophic levels as providers, eliminators, and facilitators. Their presence or absence dictates the fate of plants and vertebrates, the cornerstone of conservation efforts. As policymakers craft environmental management programs, acknowledging the indispensable contribution of insects to environmental balance becomes imperative. Integrating their role into conservation strategies and setting objectives will be pivotal in preserving species and safeguarding biodiversity.

Insects, Ecology, Agriculture, Edible insects, Biodiversity, Environment, Imperative.

The study of insect natural history encompasses a vast realm of species diversity, habits, and ecological roles within the environment and agriculture. With their unparalleled variety and abundance, insects provide rich opportunities for observation, collection, and photography.[1] However, despite their significance, obtaining and analyzing data from insect natural history observations has posed challenges, impeding large-scale studies in this field.[2] To address this, efforts are ongoing to develop standardized vocabularies and information systems, ensuring better aggregation and dissemination of insect natural history data.[3]

Collections like museum specimens offer insights into long-term trends in insect populations. Yet, challenges such as spatiotemporal biases and limited temporal coverage need consideration.[4] Insects play pivotal roles across multiple trophic levels in the environment, influencing their composition and dynamics.[5] Understanding these roles is crucial for species conservation and biodiversity in environmental management programs. The natural history of insects spans from seemingly mundane behaviors to intricate tritrophic relationships.[6] Their behavior and interactions surpass the variation found in any other animal.[7] Over time, the classification of insects has evolved through different eras, shaping our understanding of their relationships within the Hexapoda classification.[8]

In agriculture, insects contribute significantly to sustainability. They serve as food and feed sources, offer biological control against invasive pests, and help manage organic waste.[9,10]  However, utilizing insects in agriculture poses challenges, including automating rearing systems, managing diseases, and ensuring insect welfare.[11] Managing insect populations in agriculture to minimize crop damage and improve yields involves strategies like considering landscape composition, increasing spatiotemporal isolation of host crop fields, and restoring habitats.[12,13]

Insects provide numerous benefits to the environment, offering environmental services like pollination, nutrient cycling, and pest suppression. However, the decline in insect biomass and biodiversity due to factors like agriculture and global warming poses risks to ecological stability and food security.[14] Insect interactions with other organisms are varied, encompassing mutualism, antagonism, and trophic relationships. These interactions are crucial for the functioning of the environment.[15] Insects also impact nutrient cycling in the environment through various mechanisms, affecting environmental conditions and stability.[16] Exploring insect-based protein, soil enhancement, medicinal uses, biofuels, genetic modification, fertilizers, aquaponics, agroforestry, and pollination showcases the diverse applications and potential of insects in various fields. The main aim of this review was to assess the Importance of insects in Contemporary Agriculture and biodiversity modifiers.

Insect natural history
Insect natural history encompasses the study of the species diversity, habits, and ecological roles of insects. Insects provide unrivaled opportunities for observation, collection, and photography due to their vast number and variety of species.[1] However, the difficulty in obtaining and analyzing data from natural history observations of insects has impeded large-scale studies in this field.[2] Efforts are being made to develop standardized vocabularies and ontologies for insect natural history data, as well as robust information systems to aggregate and disseminate this data.[3] Natural history collections, such as museum specimens, can be used to understand long-term trends in insect populations, but challenges such as spatiotemporal biases and limited temporal coverage need to be addressed.[4] Insects play crucial roles in the environment as providers, eliminators, and facilitators across multiple trophic levels, influencing the composition and dynamics of the environment.[5]

Considering the role of insects in the environment is important for species conservation and biodiversity in environmental management programs. The natural history of insects is incredibly diverse and complex, ranging from mundane to intricate tritrophic relationships.[6] The study of insect natural history can be challenging but fascinating, as the variation found in their behavior and interactions surpasses that of any other group of animals.[7] The classification of insects has evolved over time, with major periods including the pre-Linnean era, the Darwinian era, and the Hennigian era. These periods have shaped our current understanding of insect relationships and are reflected in the classification of the Hexapoda.[1] Bacterial symbiosis plays a fundamental role in the evolution of eukaryotes, and the presence of facultative symbionts in aphids is influenced by their life history and ecological conditions.[5] Insects play important roles in an environment as providers, eliminators, and facilitators across multiple trophic levels, influencing the composition, dynamics, and conservation efforts of plants and vertebrates.

Insects in agriculture
Insects can be used to improve the sustainability of agriculture in several ways. Firstly, insects can be a significant source of food and feed, generating fewer greenhouse gas emissions and using less land compared to conventional animal farming.[9,17]. Secondly, insect farming can help reduce food waste and landfill loading by utilizing organic waste as feed for detritivore insect species.[18] Additionally, insects are considered a sustainable protein source and a possible substitute for meat, which can help mitigate sustainability challenges related to agriculture.[19] Furthermore, insects play a crucial role in biological control, helping to defuse invasive pests and reconstitute crop productivity, thus contributing to food security and environmental preservation.[10] To ensure the sustainable use of insects in agriculture, guidelines for producing, harvesting, processing, and consuming edible insects must be prioritized. Technological development, addressing consumer perceptions, and the availability of insect-based products are also important factors in increasing the use of edible insects.

Challenges of using insects in agriculture
The challenges of using insects in agriculture include automating rearing systems, genetic improvement, disease management, and insect welfare.[11] Additionally, there is a need for competent research on the impact of pesticides on non-target insect species, as well as the development of new sustainable agricultural practices to ensure coexistence between pest control and sustainable development.[20] Furthermore, there is a need for balanced development with insect protection to ensure the sustainability of agricultural expansion in harsh conditions.[21] In terms of knowledge gaps, there is a need for legislation and knowledge on insect farming for feed, as well as addressing local knowledge gaps in developing insects for feed in specific regions.[22]

Several strategies can be employed to manage insect populations in agriculture and reduce crop damage while improving yields. One approach is to consider the landscape composition and configuration, as different aspects of the landscape can affect insect densities and crop damage.[12] Increasing the spatiotemporal isolation of host crop fields can disrupt pest populations and reduce crop damage.[13] Additionally, farmers can find a tradeoff between economic gain and protecting biodiversity by sparing land for natural areas.[23] Restoring habitats in agricultural lands and limiting the expansion of land use for agricultural development can also help sustain biodiversity.[13] Furthermore, the use of deep-learning models like Insect Net can accurately identify insect species, including harmful pests, and guide pest management efforts.[24] By combining these approaches, farmers can effectively manage insect populations, minimize crop damage, and improve agricultural productivity.

Insects interact with other organisms in the environment
Insects interact with other organisms in the environment through a wide range of relationships, including mutualism, antagonism, and trophic interactions. These interactions are crucial for the functioning of the biosphere and environment, as well as for the global economy.[15] Insects have close associations with plants, animals, soil, and humans, and their activities are influenced by environmental factors such as temperature, moisture, climate change, chemicals, and pollutants.[25] They can be involved in interactions with predators, parasites, and food-related plants, which can have indirect effects on their populations.[26] Insects play a central role in various ecological interactions, acting as the center of interactions with other organisms.[27] They also interact with fungi, establishing a wide range of symbiotic relationships that can impact agriculture and human activities. The distribution and diversity of aquatic insects are shaped by their interactions with the environment and other organisms, including natural enemies and mutualists. These interactions not only affect the behavior and occurrence of aquatic insects but also shape their diversity, community structures, and population dynamics.

Benefits and costs of insects to the environment
Insects provide numerous benefits to the environment. They are environmental engineers and major service providers, offering provisioning, regulating, supporting, and cultural services.[28] Insects contribute to soil structure, fertility, and spatial dynamics, maintaining biodiversity and food webs. They also provide medical and industrial products and play essential roles in agri-environmental processes, such as pollination, nutrient cycling, pest suppression, and decomposition.[29] The environmental services provided by insects have significant economic value, with estimates ranging from billions to trillions of dollars.[30,31] However, there are also costs associated with insects. The decrease in insect biomass and biodiversity is attributed to factors like agriculture, global warming, and anthropogenic impact. A decline in insect numbers can lead to a debilitation of trophic regulation and environment stability, impacting food security and ecological resilience.[14]

Cycling of nutrients in the environment
Insects affect the cycling of nutrients in the environment through various mechanisms. They contribute to the regulation of environment conditions and stability, such as maintaining stable food web structure and environment processes, including climate moderation.[16] Insects have evolved nutritional adaptations that enable them to exploit different resources, and their resource selection and exploitation are influenced by environmental heterogeneity and variability.[32] Macro-detritivores, such as desert isopods, play a crucial role in clearing plant litter and controlling litter cycling in arid environments, leading to high rates of plant litter cycling.[33] Insects, despite their small size and cumulative biomass, can have important effects on carbon and nutrient cycling by modulating the quality and quantity of resources that enter the detrital food web, with consequences at the environment level.[34] Wood ants, for example, influence nutrient flow and plant growth in the forest environment through their nest-building activities and the subsequent decomposition of organic materials.[35]

Insect-based protein
Insect-based protein is being explored as an alternative protein source in various applications, including human diets, poultry feed, and aquafeeds. Studies have shown that insects have a high content of crude protein and essential amino acids, making them suitable for consumption by humans and animals.[36,37]  In terms of protein quality, milk-based protein materials have been found to have higher digestibility and amino acid scores compared to plant- and insect-based protein materials.[38] In addition to protein, insects also contain fat and bioactive compounds, which further contribute to their nutritional value.[39] The extraction process of insect protein has been studied, and its functional characteristics, as well as potential biological activities, have been evaluated.[40] Overall, insects show promise as a sustainable and natural protein resource, with potential applications in various food formulations.

Biological soil enhancement
Insects play significant roles in enhancing soil fertility and environment services.[39] Soil invertebrates, including insects, participate actively in the interactions among physical, chemical, and biological processes in soil.[41] They contribute to the self-organization of soil systems and operate at different scales, engaging in various forms of environment engineering.[42] In particular, soil invertebrates such as earthworms, termites, springtails, and nematodes are important in determining soil quality and promoting soil health.[43] They contribute to the breakdown of complex organic compounds, improve soil porosity and aeration, and enhance the cycling of key soil nutrients.[44] In addition, insects can also serve as biological control agents, providing natural pest control in agricultural systems. Furthermore, insects, especially pollinators, play a crucial role in pollination services, benefiting both natural and agricultural landscapes. Overall, insects have the potential to contribute to the enhancement of soil fertility and the sustainable production of healthy crops or trees.

Insect farming for medicine
Insect farming can be used to produce medicines by harnessing the therapeutic properties of insects and their derived compounds. Insects have been used in traditional medicine for centuries due to their remedial, analgesic, antibacterial, and other beneficial properties.[44] In recent years, there has been increasing recognition of the potential of insects as medicinal resources, leading to the development of insect-based medicines.[45] Insect-derived substances have been found to have immunological, analgesic, antibacterial, and anti-rheumatic properties, making them valuable for medicinal purposes.[47] Additionally, insects can be used to obtain industrial products such as fatty acids, peptides, enzymes, and antimicrobials.[48] To fully utilize the medicinal potential of insects, it is important to identify and cultivate insect strains with high levels of active ingredients.[49] Insect farming should be purpose-oriented and targeted, focusing on safety, nutrition, and productivity. By exploring the medicinal properties of insects and their products, insect farming can contribute to the development of new medicines and address food and nutrition security challenges.

Insect biomass for biofuels
Insect biomass can be used as a biofuel through the conversion of organic wastes into biodiesel. Various insect species, such as black soldier flies and fly larvae, can degrade organic wastes and accumulate fat-based biomass, which can then be used as a feedstock for biodiesel production.[50,51] The production processes for biodiesel from insects have been developed to improve yields, reduce production costs, and minimize environmental impacts.[52] Insects, such as yellow mealworm and black soldier fly, have been studied for their efficiency in converting crop residues into biodiesel, protein, and biofertilizer.[53] Insect-based models, particularly black soldier flies, have shown potential for producing bioenergy and bio-based products while remediating organic waste. The conversion of crop straws into insect proteins and grease through the multi-stage cooperation of insects offers an environmentally friendly and cost-saving method for producing biodiesel and protein feed additives.

Insect genetic modification
Insect genetic modification involves the use of biotechnological tools to improve the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of bio-insecticides, as well as the production of industrial enzymes and synthesized pharmaceuticals.[54] It also includes strategies such as genetic modification of insects to block pathogen development and the release of sterile or genetically modified males to suppress insect populations.[55] Recent advancements in gene editing techniques, such as the “direct parental” CRISPR method, have made it possible to efficiently introduce mutations into developing oocytes of insects with different types of ovaries.[56] However, the dispersal of genetically modified viruses through insect-based dispersion for crop chromosome editing raises concerns regarding the regulatory, biological, economic, and societal implications.[57] Genetic methods of insect control, including the sterile insect technique and genetically engineered biotechnology, have shown effectiveness in controlling invasive species but may face challenges due to natural selection.[58]

Insect-derived fertilizers
Insect-derived fertilizers are a novel approach to agricultural production. These fertilizers utilize waste agricultural resources to create liquid ferment bacteria fertilizers that have insect-repellent properties.[59] They are also rich in nutrients, have a slow-release effect, and enhance flower resistance. In addition, there are compound microbial fertilizers that not only provide nutrients to crops but also effectively kill and repel insects and prevent plant diseases.[60] Another type of pesticide-added fertilizer contains essential nutrients for plant growth and has insecticidal and bactericidal effects, as well as improving plant resistance. Furthermore, pesticide fertilizers not only kill insects and prevent diseases but also enhance plant immunity through the inclusion of various microelements.[62] These insect-derived fertilizers offer a promising solution for sustainable and eco-friendly agriculture.

Insect-integrated aquaponics
Insect-integrated aquaponics is a method of farming that combines the cultivation of aquatic insects with the traditional aquaponics system. This approach allows for the controlled alternation of generations of the cultured offspring, making it suitable for the concentrated culture of aquatic insects that can fly in adult periods.[63] The integration of insects in aquaponics systems offers several benefits, including increased yield, minimized human error, and the ability to take preventative actions for unpredictable hazards.[64] Additionally, the use of insect larvae as a food source for fish in the aquaponics system creates a self-sustaining feed system, as the larvae migrate out of an insect tray and fall into the fish tank below.[65] This innovative approach not only improves the efficiency of aquaponics farming but also reduces labor intensity and improves spraying efficiency in aquaculture.[66] Overall, insect-integrated aquaponics presents a promising solution for sustainable and efficient food production.

Insect-inclusive agroforestry
Insect-inclusive agroforestry practices can provide multiple benefits such as food, livestock feed, wood, medicine, pollination, pest and weed control, and soil formation and enrichment.[67] Agroforestry systems can enhance environmental services provided by insect pollinators by providing habitat, enhancing connectivity, and mitigating pesticide exposure.[68] These systems can also increase the population and diversity of beneficial insects, which can help reduce pest loads.[69] Agri-environmental diversification strategies, such as intercropping and agroforestry, can restore natural control of insect pests by enhancing the presence of natural.[70] Insects play a significant role in agroforestry systems, with Hymenoptera and Orthoptera being the most abundant orders.[71] Overall, incorporating insects into agroforestry practices can contribute to sustainable and regenerative agricultural landscapes that benefit farmers, communities, and the environment.

Insects as pollination sources
Insects contribute to pollination by transferring pollen from the male reproductive organs of a flower to the female reproductive organs, enabling fertilization and seed production. This process is crucial for the reproduction of many flowering plants and plays a vital role in sustaining biodiversity and meeting global food demand.[72,73] Insects such as bees, flies, beetles, butterflies, moths, and wasps are important pollinators of various crops.[74] Honey bees, including Apis cerana, A. florea, A. dorsata, A. andreniformis, A. laboriosa, and A. mellifera, are particularly critical for crop pollination worldwide. Insect pollination improves the yields of around three-quarters of crops and has an estimated annual economic value of €156 billion.[75] In addition to their role in pollination, insects also contribute to the assembly of the seed microbiota by transmitting bacteria from flowers to seeds, which can impact the next plant generation. Overall, insects are essential for the reproductive success of flowering plants and play a significant role in supporting the environment and economies.

Medical and scientific research
Insects contribute to medical and scientific research in various ways. They have been used in traditional medicine and are a potential source of therapeutic compounds.[76] Insects like bees produce venom that contains peptides with medicinal benefits, such as treating cancer cells and promoting apoptosis.[77] Maggot therapy, which involves using fly larvae to debride wounds and aid in wound healing, is another example of insect-based medical treatment.[78] Insects also play a role in biomedical engineering, where they are used directly or as a source of inspiration to design medical treatments and instruments.[79] In terms of scientific research, insects provide unique opportunities for studying developmental behavioral plasticity and neural plasticity mechanisms.[80] Additionally, studying insect behavior in their natural environments allows for a better understanding of ecological and adaptive perspectives. In general, insects offer valuable resources and insights for medical and scientific advancements.

Insects in environmental service
Insects play a crucial role in providing environmental services. They contribute to the structure and fertility of soil, maintain biodiversity and food webs, and perform functions such as pollination, nutrient cycling, pest suppression, and decomposition. Insects also provide medical and industrial products and are consumed as food. They are important for biological pest control, regulating populations of crop-feeding herbivores, and maintaining environment stability.[81] Social insects, such as ants, bees, wasps, and termites, are particularly significant as environment service providers due to their high biomass, mutualistic associations, and efficient communication and cooperation.[82] In Brazil, insects contribute to environment services such as pollination, decomposition, and biological control of pests, but there is a need for more research and conservation efforts.[8] In African environments, insects are essential for plant reproduction, ecological monitoring, organic matter decomposition, and as a food source, but human activities and environmental degradation pose threats to their biodiversity.

Insects contribute to soil aeration in agriculture
Using insects to improve soil aeration in agriculture has several benefits. Insects, such as earthworms, can improve soil structure by decreasing bulk density, increasing soil pore space, and improving soil aggregate structure.[83] They also enhance soil porosity, reduce runoff, and increase water holding capacity.[84] Earthworms play a crucial role in modifying soil organic matter and nutrient cycling, stabilizing soil organic matter fractions, and enhancing microbial activity.[85] Additionally, earthworms produce hormone-like substances that improve plant growth and health. Introducing earthworms into the soil can be a simple and effective method to reestablish invertebrate populations and improve soil health. Overall, using insects, particularly earthworms, can contribute to better soil aeration, nutrient cycling, and overall agricultural sustainability.[87-89]

Recognizing and conserving the roles of insects in both natural environments and agricultural systems is critical for maintaining biodiversity, sustainable food production, and overall environmental health. In scientific and medical research, insects offer insights and materials for therapeutic compounds, biomedical engineering, and understanding behavioral and developmental plasticity. Insects wield immense ecological significance, from regulating the environment to contributing significantly to agricultural sustainability and human well-being. Understanding, conserving, and responsibly utilizing these diverse creatures remains paramount for the health and longevity of our environment and societies.

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Zemed Wobale Birhanie
Department of Plant Science
College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Dilla University, Ethiopia
Email: zedwube2@gmail.com

The author contributed to the conceptualization, investigation, and data curation by acquiring and critically reviewing the selected articles, and was involved in the writing – original draft preparation and writing – review & editing to refine the manuscript.

Not applicable

The author explicitly asserts the absence of any conflicting interests.

None

https://doi.org/10.63096/medtigo3061122

Zemed WB. Insects Importance in Contemporary Agriculture and the Natural Environment. medtigo J Pharmacol. 2024;1(2):e3061122. doi:10.63096/medtigo3061122 Crossref