Biochar applications decrease reproductive potential of the English grain aphid Sitobion avenae and upregulate defense-related gene expression.

Abstract

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. Compared to the control, biocahr 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. 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. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.