Succession, Diversity, and Abundance of Insects on Industrial Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) and the Effect on Yield

Project Type: Research and Education
Funds awarded in 2020: $229,933.00
Projected End Date: 09/30/2023
Grant Recipient: North Carolina A&T State University
Region: Southern
State: North Carolina
Principal Investigator:
Dr. Beatrice Dingha
North Carolina A&T State University
Co-Investigators:
Dr. Arnab Bhowmik
North Carolina A&T State University
Louis Jackai
N. Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
Description:
Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is now being cultivated in the United States over a much wider geographic area due to the recent legalization of the crop. As production increases, knowledge on the insect communities associated with hemp will be critical to understanding beneficial and pest insects that affect the crop at different phenological stages. An insect study was conducted in 2021 at North Carolina A&T Research Farm with four hemp cultivars (CFX-2, Canda, Joey and Henola). Insect data were collected weekly using direct visual counts and vacuum sampling. The goal was to 1) determine insect abundance and diversity on industrial hemp and 2) assess the impact of pests on yield. The results indicate that several insect pests including leafhoppers, Japanese beetles, brown marmorated stinkbug, leaf footed bugs, tarnish plant bug, flea beetles and cucumber beetles and beneficial insects including honeybee, bumble bees, sweat bees, hoverfly, big-eyed bug and lady beetles were recorded on all the hemp cultivars. During the first three weeks of sampling leafhoppers were the most prevalent. By week five, there were more bumblebees, honey bees and big-eyed bug. Insect diversity and abundance varied weekly among the cultivars. Joey recorded the highest seed yield. Findings from this study can be used to better understand how insects may affect this crop. Understanding the role of insect pests and beneficial insects will lead to mitigation plans as part of a robust management strategy for increasing the yield and quality of hemp crop.
Type:
Conference/Presentation Material
Authors:
Beatrice Dingha, North Carolina A&T State University
Louis Jackai, North Carolina A&T State University
Target audiences:
Farmers/Ranchers; Educators; Researchers; Consumers
Ordering info:
Beatrice Dingha
bndingha@ncat.edu
North Carolina A&T State University
1601 East Market St.
Greensboro, NC 27411
Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or SARE.