The negative effects of synthetic agrochemicals have created strong incentives for the search of organic-based substitutes. One current alternative to the use of synthetic fertilizers is the use of vermicompost tea. In this study we investigate how vermicompost tea enhances pest resistance in crop plants. Four-hundred and thirty tomato plants were treated weekly with vermicompost tea mixtures ranging from 1:20 (5%), 1:10 (10%) and 1:5 (20%) of vermicompost and water (v/v). Physical data such as height, biomass, and yield were recorded. Additionally, leaf tissue samples were collected and analyzed via GC/MS analysis to monitor secondary metabolite production changes across treatment groups. Results indicated that the addition of vermicompost tea improved growth parameters evaluated. Vermicompost tea also influenced secondary metabolite production. High concentration vermicompost tea altered the production and accumulation of terpenoids, phenolic compounds, fatty acids, and alkanes. Improved physical structures and increased concentrations of monoterpenes, diterpenes and hydrocarbons from epicuticular waxes could explain enhanced pest resistance previously observed.

合成农用化学品的负面影响为寻找有机替代品创造了强烈的动力。目前使用合成肥料的一种替代方法是使用蚯蚓堆肥茶。在这项研究中，我们研究了蚯蚓粪茶如何增强农作物的抗虫性。每周用 1:20 (5%)、1:10 (10%) 和 1:5 (20%) 的蚯蚓粪和水 (v/v) 的蚯蚓粪茶混合物处理 430 株番茄。记录了身高、生物量和产量等物理数据。此外，通过 GC/MS 分析收集和分析叶组织样本，以监测处理组中次级代谢产物的变化。结果表明，添加蚯蚓堆肥茶改善了评估的生长参数。Vermicompost 茶也影响次生代谢产物的产生。高浓度蚯蚓粪茶改变了萜类化合物、酚类化合物、脂肪酸和烷烃的产生和积累。改进的物理结构和增加的来自表皮蜡的单萜、二萜和碳氢化合物的浓度可以解释先前观察到的增强的害虫抗性。