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Title: Control of rugose spiraling whitefly using biological insecticides, 2014

Author
item KUMAR, VIVEK - University Of Florida
item McKenzie, Cindy
item OSBORNE, LANCE - University Of Florida

Submitted to: Arthropod Management Tests
Publication Type: Other
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/22/2015
Publication Date: 9/1/2015
Citation: Kumar, V., Mckenzie, C.L., Osborne, L.S. 2015. Control of rugose spiraling whitefly using biological insecticides, 2015. Arthropod Management Tests. 40:GS, 2pp.

Interpretive Summary: Aleurodicus rugioperculatus Martin, infamous as gumbo limbo or rugose spiraling whitefly is a new addition in the list of devastating whitefly species found in Florida. The current study was conducted with an objective to evaluate certain biological insecticides against this serious pest of palms, woody ornamentals, and fruits. Results showed that Talus alone or in combination with PFR 97 was more effective on immature and adults of Aleurodicus rugioperculatus (A. rugioperculatus) compared to other treatments. PFR 97 was effective against A. rugioperculatus life stages only until DAT 28.

Technical Abstract: The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of selected biological insecticides against a new invasive whitefly pest, Aleurodicus rugioperculatus Martin, in white bird of paradise under field condition. The trial was conducted at United States Horticultural Research Laboratory in Fort Pierce, Florida in hope to find an alternative to standard effective chemistries used in whitefly control. Aleurodicus rugioperculatus (A. rugioperculatus) population varied greatly, however significant reduction in whitefly number were observed in all the treatments compared to control. Overall, Talus alone and its combination with PFR was found to be most effective in controlling RSW population (eggs, early instar and late instar), throughout the study period. Combination of Talus and PFR significantly suppressed RSW life stages soon after application of treatments, and provided 83-100 % reduction in eggs, 99-100% early instars and 95-100% in late instars during six weeks period. Talus alone also provided significant reduction in RSW life stages (compared to control) on all the sampling dates post 14 DAT. PFR 97 alone was found to be least effective against eggs (8-78%), early instars (47-92%) and late instars (44-94%) among all the insecticides tested.