Trophic impacts of a rolled-rye cover crop on the lettuce aphid (Nasonovia ribisnigri) and associated insect fauna in cultivated Histosols

Cultivated peatland (Histosol) in Southern Québec (Canada) is a rapidly declining non-renewable resource used to grow most Canadian lettuce (Lactuca sativa L., Asteraceae). Rolled-rye (Secale cereale L., Poaceae) cover crop is one of the conservation practices proposed to reach a more sustainable lettuce production, but the overall impact on the agroecosystem remains poorly studied in Histosols. We assessed multiple effects of rolled-rye cover crop on the trophic chain associated with the lettuce aphid, Nasonovia ribisnigri (Mosley) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), a major pest of lettuce. During one growing season and through two consecutive lettuce crops, we monitored in situ the impacts of rolled-rye cover crop on insect fauna and lettuce quality. We used visual scouting and yellow pan traps to assess plant colonization by N. ribisnigri, its natural enemies, and alternative prey. Exclusion cage experiments were also conducted to measure aphid fitness and population growth. Under greenhouse conditions, following cover crop removal, we examined potential lingering effects of rye within the soil on lettuce plants and N. ribisnigri. In situ experiments showed that rolled-rye cover crop has the potential to inhibit N. ribisnigri field colonization and recruit natural enemies and alternative prey in the first lettuce crop. Rye also reduced aphid fitness as well as lettuce foliar amino acid concentration and weight. For the second lettuce crop, an almost 50% reduction in N. ribisnigri abundance was observed with the use of rolled-rye cover crop. In greenhouse experiments, no persistent effect of rye was observed on the quality of lettuce grown with soil collected under a cover crop, nor on the fitness of aphids inoculated on these lettuces. This study highlights the diversity of trophic effects rolled-rye cover crop may have on lettuce production in Histosols and the potential of rolled-rye cover crop as a cultural practice to reduce aphid populations. Mechanisms at play while underlining agronomic challenges regarding proper rye termination must be further explored to maintain high-performing lettuce yields.