BugBook: determining multiple stressor interactions in mass-reared insects based on principles of ecotoxicology

Insect mass-rearing is a rapidly expanding industry for the production of protein for food and feed. These highly productive artificial rearing environments can expose insects to a range of biotic and abiotic stressors, including insect pathogens, which may result in population crashes. Interactions between insect pathogens with multiple stressors can exacerbate the effects of individual pathogens on host insects. However, reliable predictions on the combined effects of individual stressors based on mechanisms of action are lacking within the field of insect pathology. We review how ecotoxicological modelling of multiple stressors can be applied to mass-reared insect systems and discuss the importance of standardization across research fields investigating multiple stressors. Important considerations in multiple stressor terminology, experimental design, endpoints and analysis of results are discussed to improve understanding of multiple stressors and their impact on insects for food and feed. This is essential for ensuring optimal rearing conditions for mass-reared insect populations.