D3107: Potential of biochar as a sustainable pest management strategy against Western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis) and lettuce aphids (Nasonovia ribisnigri) in controlled environment agriculture

Controlled environment agriculture including hydroponics utilize advanced techniques to improve crop yield and quality. Despite the elimination of direct risks from soil-borne pathogens, Western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis), and lettuce aphids (Nasonovia ribisnigri) continue to pose a significant threat to these systems. Thrips and aphids are particularly challenging, as they tend to inhabit the underside of leaves and other concealed parts of plants, rendering conventional insecticidal sprays and generalist predators inefficient. Biochar, a product of pyrolysis has been primarily used for its effectiveness in improving soil quality and nutrient absorption in plants. Studies have found that biochar also resembles peat, a prevalent soilless substrate - can also generate free radicals, that can potentially improve plant defense. To test this, we plan to evaluate the impact of biochar on thrips and aphid population on two lettuce varieties grown in a deep water culture (DWC) hydroponic system with biochar.