Solid vermicompost and its liquid derivative exhibit strong biocontrol properties against Myzus persicae aphids on sweet pepper
(2025) Journal of Pest Science — Vol. 98, n° 4, p. 2265-2286 (2025)
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- Vermicomposting is a biotechnique that relies on earthworms to convert organic waste into a humus-like material, rich in nutrients, plant growth stimulants and beneficial microbes, known as vermicompost. As part of a policy of recycling organic waste, vermicomposting is increasingly practiced on a large scale around the world, becoming a promising economic sector in the move towards more sustainable agricultural practices. In addition to improving soil fertility, vermicompost may have the potential to protect plants against disease and pests, but this issue has been addressed only superficially. In this study, we addressed this issue by testing the biocontrol properties of solid and liquid forms of vermicompost on the green peach aphid Myzus persicae feeding on sweet pepper. Our results show that vermicompost treatment has a range of adverse effects on aphids, including reduced survival and fecundity rates, as well as repellent activity. Treatment with vermicompost tends to reduce the growth of aphid populations and improve the growth of the plants that are attacked. We chemically mapped liquid vermicompost and found it to be rich in antioxidants and phytohormones likely to improve plant health. Using a metabarcoding approach, we found that both solid and liquid vermicompost exhibit rich bacterial and fungal communities, but with a few dominant taxa that could contribute to vermicompost's biocontrol properties. Overall, our study shows that different forms of vermicompost can be effective aphid control agents and paves the way for investigating the modes of action and optimizing the use of vermicompost according to the diversity of agricultural practices.
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Jerbi, M., Brandl, S., Sempo, G., Riviere, J., Lanterbecq, D., Annet, M., Grawez Demoulin, L., Quinet, M., Lutts, S., Hance, T., & Renoz, F. (2025). Solid vermicompost and its liquid derivative exhibit strong biocontrol properties against Myzus persicae aphids on sweet pepper. Journal of Pest Science, 98(4), 2265-2286. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10340-025-01937-8 (Original work published 2025)