Author
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Simmons, Alvin |
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CIOMPERLIK, MATTHEW - USDA-APHIS, MISSION, TX |
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Submitted to: National Research and Action Plan for Silver Leaf Whitefly
Publication Type: Abstract Only Publication Acceptance Date: 12/19/1997 Publication Date: N/A Citation: N/A Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: A study was conducted to evaluate the establishment of a Pakistan strain of Eretmocerus (M95012) on Bemisia argentifolii in South Carolina. The parasitoid was from a colony maintained at the Mission Biological Control Center, Mission, TX. Adult parasitoids were released on two plots at the U.S. Vegetable Laboratory farm in Charleston, South Carolina. One was a one acre field and the other was a half acre screened field plot planted in collard. The mesh of the screen was large enough for easy movement of whiteflies and parasitoids into or out of the plot. A single release of parasitoids was made in each plot. The parasitoids were released on plants within a 3 m by 3 m area in the center of each plot. In the screened plot, 15,000 adult Eretmocerus were released on 15 July 1997. In the open field plot, 30,000 adults were released 22 July 1997. Leaf samples were collected to determine percentage parasitism, and species diversity. Samples are still being processed. Within season reproduction of the exotic Eretmocerus was observed in each of the release plots. Exotic Eretmocerus adults dispersed throughout both plots. Samples held for emergence of adult parasitoids showed the presence of an exotic Eretmocerus, an indigenous Eretmocerus, and indigenous Encarsia spp. Eretmocerus comprised a greater percentage (> 95%) of the parasitoids in the open field than in the screened plot (from ca. 55 to 75%). To determine the proportion of exotic to indigenous Eretmocerus, samples are being subjected to RAPD-PCR genetic analysis. |
