Gesunde Pflanzen (2011) 63, 183-189

Helmut Saucke, Britta Schultz, Rainer Wedemeyer, Nadine Liebig, Olaf Zimmermann and Peter Katz (2011)
Biotechnische Regulierung der Kohlmottenschildlaus in Kohlgemüse - Sachstand und Perspektiven
[Biotechnical control of cabbage whitefly in Brassica vegetables - Current status and perspectives]
Gesunde Pflanzen 63 (4), 183-189
Abstract: The cabbage whitefly, Aleyrodes proletella, has developed to a key pest in brassica vegetable crops throughout Germany. In a 3-year project we investigated a biotechnical approach employing netting (0.8 × 0.8 mm meshsize) in combination with the native parasitoid Encarsia tricolor in an inoculative-inundative approach in organic Brussels sprouts under field conditions.
In small scale plot experiments continuous netting from transplanting in May till October alone reduced whitefly larval densities by 77 % at peak infestation in all years. Remaining whitefly infestation under net was associated with the necessity of temporary net removal for the purpose of mechanical weeding, which caused primary whitefly infestation. Release of mass reared E. tricolor under net at the first signs of larval infestation significantly increased A. proletella-parasitation and reduced infestation compared to netted controls without release. Furthermore, at highest dosage in 2009, E. tricolor had a significant enhancing effect on raw yield and the quality level of marketable yield. Additional on-farm experiments without netting in 2008 and 2009 confirmed the control potential of E. tricolor.
Although the most important project mile stones have been achieved, namely (a) E. tricolor-establishment under net and in the open field, (b) enhanced parasitation corresponding with pest density decline and (c) a positive impact on yield and quality parameters, further research will be necessary. The focus should be on the initial infestation period, optimizing the timing, frequency and required dosage.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
(original language: German)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Helmut Saucke, Olaf Zimmermann

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
biocontrol - natural enemies
control - general
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
inundative/inoculative release

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Aleyrodes proletella	Cabbage (Brassica oleracea)	Germany
Encarsia tricolor (parasitoid)	Aleyrodes proletella	Cabbage (Brassica oleracea)	Germany