Pest Management Science (2019) 75, 1310-1316

Yong Chen, Ran Li, Baoping Li and Ling Meng (2019)
Biochar applications decrease reproductive potential of the English grain aphid Sitobion avenae and upregulate defense-related gene expression
Pest Management Science 75 (5), 1310-1316
Abstract:
BACKGROUND
The application of biochar as a targeted strategy for managing herbivorous pests is a topic of growing interest. The present study first determined the influence of biochar amendments on the reproductive performance of the English grain aphid Sitobion avenae, and then examined defense-related gene expression in the wheat plant as a function of biochar amendments and aphid feeding.
RESULTS
Compared to the control, biochar amendments decreased aphid lifetime fertility by 9.09% and 20.23% for amending levels at 3% and 5%, respectively; it reduced aphid population by 18.68%, 21.69%, and 28.70% for the levels at 1.5%, 3%, and 5%, respectively. Biochar applications increased silicon content more than 40% in wheat plants. Furthermore, biochar additions increased the expression of four defense-related genes (AOS, LOX, PAL and PR) in wheat plants with extension of feeding time by aphids.
CONCLUSION
Our results suggest that biochar amendments to soils have detrimental consequences on the reproductive potential of the aphid on the wheat, and the effect may result from aphid-induced plant defenses being raised by biochar applications.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Baoping Li, Ling Meng

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
control - general
environment - cropping system/rotation

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Sitobion avenae	Wheat (Triticum)