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EXAMINING EFFECTS OF LIGHT QUALITY ON CANNABIS AND THE CANNABIS APHID (PHORODON CANNABIS)

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thesis
posted on 2022-12-12, 14:39 authored by Eze Pojmann EzeonyiloEze Pojmann Ezeonyilo

  

Environmental conditions, like light quality and herbivory, can induce changes in plant physiology. Light quality can be manipulated using LEDs (light emitting diodes) to improve crop quality and yield in horticultural production. The manipulation of light quality has also been utilized in the management of agricultural insect pests. Previous research has provided evidence that changes in light quality can have effects on the growth and chemistry of cannabis crops (Cannabis spp.). Varieties of cannabis are grown for the production of the valued cannabinoids CBD and THC. Pest of cannabis include herbivorous arthropods that reduce hemp yield and quality. Arthropod herbivory can induce chemical and physical changes in plants. This thesis further investigates the role of light quality on both cannabis biology and the crop-pest interaction between cannabis and the cannabis aphid (Phorodon cannabis). In the experiments described herein, the effects of light quality and P. cannabis herbivory on cannabis were assessed by measuring impact on biomass accumulation, yield, and the production of CBD and THC. The effects of light quality on the life history traits of P. cannabis were also measured. Cannabis grown under red-blue light quality saw a reduction in vegetative growth but no reduction in yield. Light treatments had no measured effect on the concentrations of CBD and THC in the cannabis buds. Aphid herbivory decreased bud yield but increased vegetative growth. Aphid herbivory reduced the concentration of both CBD and THC in cannabis bud tissue. Under blue-rich light quality, P. cannabis experienced higher reproductive rates when compared to red-blue and full-spectrum lighting. 

Funding

AgSEED

History

Degree Type

  • Master of Science

Department

  • Entomology

Campus location

  • West Lafayette

Advisor/Supervisor/Committee Chair

Laura Ingwell, PhD

Additional Committee Member 2

Petrus Langenhoven, PhD

Additional Committee Member 3

Elizabeth Long, PhD