A study published in the Journal of Cannabis Research examined the influence of a minor cannabinoid known as cannabidivarinic acid (CBDVA) on aphid fertility and survival rates. The study included cannabis sativa-adapted specialist aphid, cannabis aphid (Phorodon cannabis), and non-adapted, generalist aphid, green peach aphid (Myzus persicae). The findings indicated that CBDVA is effective against both hemp-specific and generalist aphid pests.
Aphids are common pests in cannabis cultivation, and they have exponential growth rates. In addition, aphids can transmit diseases, viruses, and pathogens, so effective pest management practices are critical to prevent aphid infestation.
The researchers evaluated a panel of high and low-CBDVA hemp genotypes obtained from the USDA-ARS Hemp Germplasm Collection at the Plant Genetic Resources Unit. These samples are used for cannabis aphid resistance in greenhouse experiments. The research team documented trichome measurements for genotypes with the highest and lowest aphid counts. The research team also performed artificial feeding assays by supplementing CBDVA in aphid diets in the laboratory. The researchers monitored the middle sections of the middle leaflet of the 2nd to 5th node on 7-week-old plants to evaluate trichome density and morphology in the different genotypes.
The study revealed that including CBDVA in artificial diets decreased cannabis aphid fertility. Data analysis showed cannabis populations were significantly higher on a low-CBDVA genotype compared to a high-CBDVA genotype after 14 days of aphid infestation. The high-CBDVA genotype had significantly more trichomes than the low-CBDVA genotype.
The study concluded that CBDVA has insecticidal properties that decrease the population growth of cannabis aphids and green peach aphids. Application of a pure essential oil of CBDVA may offer a sustainable pest management option for organic cannabis production systems, but more research is needed to understand its potential uses and effects.
Sources: Colorado State University, Journal of Cannabis Research