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Evaluating vermicompost mediated host plant resistance as a sustainable alternative to manage agricultural insect pests

Evaluating vermicompost mediated host plant resistance as a sustainable alternative to manage agricultural insect pests

Summary/Abstract

Organic waste can be fed to various species of earthworms which digest them, resulting in the production of organic compost containing increased microbial activity and enhanced nutritional content (vermicompost), which promote plant growth and mass accumulation. Earthworms are capable of digesting many types of organic materials; so this is an environmentally friendly alternative for managing accumulation of wastes in landfills. The castings produced as a result of this process (termed vermicompost) are high in nutrients readily available to plants. Vermicompost has been determined to increased plant growth, health, flower and fruit yield, as well as, increase resistance to arthropod herbivores. The characterization of the vermicompost resistance to various insect pests, as proposed in this study, will yield valuable insights into the plant defense mechanisms involved in this resistance. Scientific documentation of the potential beneficial effects of vermicompost amendments can lead to the widespread adoption of vermicompost as an agricultural production aid. This in turn could result in greater demand for vermicomposts as sustainable alternatives to synthetic fertilizers and as part of pest management programs.

Objectives/Performance Targets

This study aims to determine if antixenosis and/or antibiosis are the mechanisms responsible for herbivore resistance in vermicompost-grown plants. To accomplish this, we will test the effects of plants grown in various vermicompost concentrations on the preference and performance of generalist and specialist Lepidopterous and Hemipterous cabbage pests. Furthermore, potential tri-trophic effects of this resistance will be evaluated using the Lepidopteran parasitoid, Cotesia marginiventris. Wasp attraction to control and vermicompost-grown plants damaged by host caterpillars and their survival and development on host caterpillars fed control or vermicompost-grown plant tissue will be investigated.

Project Content Page

2009 Proposal

Project Number: GS09-078
Type: Graduate Student Project
Region: South
SARE Grant: $9,810

Coordinators:
Yasmin Cardoza
North CArolina State University
Campus Box 7613 , NCSU Campus
Raleigh, NC 27695
Phone: 919-513-1285
E-mail: yasmin_cardoza@ncsu.edu

Amos Little
North Carolina State University
Campus Box 7613 , North Carolina State University
Raleigh, NC 2769
Phone: 919-513-3764
E-mail: aglittle@ncsu.edu

Participants:
Yasmin Cardoza
Assistant Professor
Campus Box 7613 , North Carolina State University
Raleigh , NC 2769
Phone: (919)513-1285
E-mail: yasmin_cardoza@ncsu.edu

Amos Little
Graduate Student
Campus Box 7613 , North Carolina State University
Raleigh , NC 2769
Phone: (919)513-3764
E-mail: aglittle@ncsu.edu
This project and all associated reports and support materials were supported by the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program, which is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture- National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA-NIFA). Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed within do not necessarily reflect the view of the SARE program or the U.S. Department of Agriculture. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.