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Research Project: Exotic Whitefly Pests of Vegetables and Ornamental Plants

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Title: Biological control based strategies to manage privet whitefly (Aleurotrachelus trachoides) in Florida

Author
item FRANCIS, ANTONIO - Florida Department Of Agriculture And Consumer Services
item AHMED, MUHAMMAD - University Of Florida
item KUMAR, VIVEK - University Of Florida
item OSBORNE, LANCE - University Of Florida
item McKenzie, Cindy

Submitted to: International Congress of Entomology
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/12/2016
Publication Date: 9/27/2016
Citation: Francis, A., Ahmed, M., Kumar, V., Osborne, L.S., McKenzie, C.L. 2016. Biological control based strategies to manage privet whitefly (Aleurotrachelus trachoides) in Florida[abstract]. International Congress of Entomology. September 25-30, 2016, Orlando, Florida. doi:10.1603/ICE.2016.114515

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Privet whitefly, Aleurotrachelus trachoides, is native to the Neotropics, but has now spread to parts of Africa, the Pacific and North America, including Florida, United States of America. This recent invasive whitefly is polyphagous with a preference for Solanaceae and Convolvulaceae. Important commercial solanaceous hosts include Capsicum spp., Solanum lycopersicum, Solanum melongena, Nicotiana tabacum, various ornamentals, along with wild plants and weeds. Direct damage is caused by nymphs and adults feeding on large quantities of plant sap, causing stunted growth, reduced fruit production, and lower crop value. Indirect damage is caused by honeydew and sooty mold and significant aesthetic damage to crops and plants. Although this emerging pest appeared in Florida some time ago, it is anticipated that its geographical and host range will expand with time. Ongoing efforts to mitigate the effects of privet whitefly include surveys for indigenous natural enemies and evaluation of their efficacy, field release and dissemination, collecting biological data on the whitefly, as well as host range and preference testing. The overall goal is to suppress privet whitefly with a biological control based management approach.