Journal of Insect Science (2008) 8 (4), 45-46
P.A. Stansly (2008)
Biologically based management of whiteflies in greenhouse vegetable production
Journal of Insect Science 8 (4), 45-46
in P. A. Stansly and C.L. McKenzie, organizers: Fourth International Bemisia Workshop - International Whitefly Genomics Workshop, December 3-8, 2006, Duck Key, Florida, USA
Abstract: Whiteflies are key pests in vegetable greenhouse production throughout the world. Greenhouse whitefly, Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Westwood) is generally the prevalent species in temperate regions while the sweetpotato or silverleaf whitefly Bemisia tabaci predominates in warmer parts. Both species damage plants directly through sap removal and indirectly by vectoring virus diseases. Various biotypes of this latter species have been identified, of which biotype 'B', the silverleaf whitefly is dominant in most areas and causes additional damage through physiological disorders such as tomato irregular ripening and squash silverleaf. However, 'Q' biotype, originally from the Mediterranean but recently introduced into the US, has developed resistance to many insecticides, including commonly used insect growth regulators and systemic insecticides, and is thus selected for under insecticide-based management regimes. Insecticide resistance along with public pressure has spurred development of alternative management tactics such as insect netting for pest exclusion, and virus-resistant varieties that provide a more compatible environment for biological control. Insect netting must be fine enough to exclude insects, yet allow sufficient ventilation to discourage fungal plant disease. Resistant varieties are often seen as lacking desirable horticultural characteristics and therefore only used when the threat of vector-borne virus disease is acute. Selective insecticides may also be compatible with biological control but are never free of all side effects. The first, effective biological control for whiteflies was Encarsia formosa, initially against T.vaporariorum, but also used with limited success against B. tabaci. This was followed by Eretmocerus eremicus, equally effective against both whitefly species, later to be supplanted for control of B. tabaci by E. mundus. Meanwhile, interest in and use of phytozoophagous mirids in the genera Macrolophus, Dicyphus and Nesiochorus has been steadily increasing. Excitement has been generated recently by the apparent spectacular success of the predaceous mite Amblyseius swirskii. Many challenges remain to integrate use of these species with each other and with biological and chemical control of other greenhouse pests such as spider mites and thrips.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Database assignments for author(s): Philip A. Stansly
Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
control - general
biocontrol - natural enemies
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
inundative/inoculative release
