EVALUATION OF THE EFFECTS OF ACTFLY ON PHYSIOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT BY TS

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the potential of ACTFLY, a protein hydrolysate obtained from the larval biomass of Hermetia illucens, in the treatment of corn seeds (Zea mays L.), with emphasis on initial root development. The research was exploratory in nature, integrating a narrative literature review, document analysis, and experimental evaluation. Seventeen scientific papers were analyzed, in addition to internal technical materials from Agribitec. The experiment was conducted in Sertaneja–PR, with three treatments: ACTFLY at doses of 1 and 2 mL kg⁻¹ of seeds and a control without application. One container per treatment was used, with four seeds sown in each. Thirty days after sowing, the three best-developing plants from each container were selected non-randomly for evaluation of root length and mass. These plants constituted subsamples, without independent experimental replications. The literature indicated that protein hydrolysates can favor processes related to plant growth, although studies with products of plant origin predominate. Among the selected plants, the 2 mL kg⁻¹ dose showed the highest average values ​​for the evaluated variables. However, the absence of independent replicates and the selection of the best plants limit the representativeness of the data and prevent attributing the observed differences exclusively to the product. The results are exploratory and descriptive, and further studies are needed to evaluate the consistency of the responses and the agronomic effects of ACTFLY.