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Insect Protein Cultivation

Mezcal worm in a bottle DNA test reveals a surprise

1 min read May 1, 2026 Crop Protection
Mezcal worm in a bottle DNA test reveals a surprise

The famous mezcal “worm” has long puzzled scientists, but DNA testing has finally cracked the case. Researchers found that all sampled larvae were actually agave redworm moth caterpillars—not a mix of species as once believed. While the discovery clears up a long-standing mystery, it also raises concerns about sustainability. Growing demand for mezcal and edible larvae could put pressure on wild populations and the agave plants they depend on.

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Crop intelligence

Going in during September

Sowing windows open right now, from the crop reference.

Crop Sow Days pH Temp °C Yield
Angelica Sep–Oct 2 yr 6.0–7.0 10–22 8–12 t
Pyrethrum Sep–Oct 2–3 yr 5.5–7.0 10–22 0.8–1.5 t
Tagasaste Sep–Oct 2–4 yr 5.5–7.5 5–28 10–18 t green
Oil Palm Jun–Sep (planting) 3–4 yr to bear 5.0–7.0 24–32 20–25 t FFB
Pepino Sep–Oct 4–6 mo 6.0–7.0 15–25 25–40 t
Asafoetida (Hing) Sep–Oct 4–5 yr 6.5–7.5 10–25 0.05–0.1 t
Litchi Jun–Sep (planting) 5–7 yr to bear 5.5–7.0 20–35 8–12 t
Alstroemeria Sep–Oct 10–12 mo 6.0–6.8 13–22 100–150 stems/m²
Anthurium Year-round 12–18 mo to bear 5.5–6.5 18–28 6–8 blooms/plant
Paddy Straw Mushroom Jun–Sep 12–18 6.5–7.5 28–35 100–150 kg/t
Orchid Year-round 18–24 mo to bear 5.5–6.5 20–30 4–6 spikes/plant
Oyster Mushroom Any 25–35 5.5–6.5 20–30 500–700 kg/t
Amaranth (Leafy) Feb–Sep 30–45 6.0–7.5 22–32 10–15 t
Arugula Sep–Nov 30–45 6.0–7.0 10–22 8–12 t

90 more in this list. All 538 crops, with every column → The sowing year →

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