Abstract:

To evaluate the comprehensive effects of biological agents on plants and herbivorous insects, the responses of cucumber plants and thrips to self-made fermented bio-extract, wood vinegar and the mixed solution were measured, including the growth and physiological indexes of cucumber, the activity levels of anti-stress enzymes in cucumber leaves, and the development and population dynamics of thrips. The results showed that: (1) fermented bio-extract significantly shortened the development duration of thrips; the mixed solution significantly delayed the development of thrips and inhibited their population; (2) fermented bio-extract significantly accelerated the increase of the aboveground biomass of cucumber plants, and decreased the content of soluble protein and chlorophyll in cucumber leaves; and increased the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione-S transferase (GST) in cucumber leaves infected with insects. In conclusion, both fermented bio-extract and wood vinegar have certain effects on cucumber plants and thrips. The mixed solution can effectively inhibit thrips. Multiple use of fermented bio-extract can produce higher comprehensive benefits, not only promote cucumber growth, but also increase plant ‘immunity’.

Key words: thrip, cucumber, self-made fermented bio-extract, wood vinegar, anti-stress enzyme