Genetic and genomic selection in insects as food and feed

Abstract

This review will summarise existing tools and resources and highlight areas of focus for the insects as food and feed industry for the production of insects as alternative protein sources. By applying knowledge gained from other agricultural organisms coupled with the ease of insect population growth and rearing capabilities, and the increase in biotechnological advances, strains optimised for various economic and biological traits should be one of the most attainable goals for researchers and insect farmers alike. We have reviewed strengths (and weaknesses) of various genetic and genomic approaches, and consider the future of insect farming in the context of genetic and genomic selection of insects.