Effect of soil application of cyantraniliprole on Bemisia tabaci (MED whitefly) and Amblyseius swirskii, 2016

Authors: KUMMAR, VIVEK - University Of Florida; KAKKAR, GARIMA - University Of Florida; McKenzie, Cindy; OSBORNE, LANCE - University Of Florida

Submitted to: Arthropod Management Tests
Publication Type: Other
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/17/2016
Publication Date: 12/30/2016
Citation: Kummar, V., Kakkar, G., McKenzie, C.L., Osborne, L.S. 2016. Effect of soil application of cyantraniliprole on Bemisia tabaci (MED whitefly) and Amblyseius swirskii, 2016. Arthropod Management Tests. 41:G136, 2pp. 2016. (Report)

Interpretive Summary: Bemisia tabaci is a group of several whitefly species which cannot be distinguished by naked eyes, and among different members of this group, MEAM1 (B biotype) and MED (Q biotype) are considered the two most destructive pests of a wide range of crops including vegetables, ornamentals and fibers. Through this study, we are trying to develop an eco-friendly pest management strategy for the MED whitefly, by integrating a commercially available predator (swirskii mite) in the existing management practices being used by the growers. Swirskii mite was found effectively controlling whitefly life-stages (eggs and immatures) and compatible with the soil application of cyantraniliprole (chemical insecticide evaluated in the study). Cyantraniliprole alone was also effective in suppressing MED whitefly life-stages throughout the study period (7 weeks). Results showed that the use of swirskii mite alone or in combination with cyantraniliprole can be an efficient alternative to neonicotinoid class of insecticides frequently used by the growers for the whitefly control.

Technical Abstract: Bemisia tabaci is a polyphagous pest known to feed upon over 900 plant taxa, and is an effective vector of more than 100 plant damaging viruses. Among different biotypes of this cryptic species complex, MEAM1 and MED whitefly are the two most destructive members posing threats of several crops of economic importance. With the overall goal to integrate the predatory mite Amblyseius swirskii in the management program of MED whitefly, the specific objective of this study was to evaluate cyantraniliprole, a diamide insecticide for whitefly control, and assess its compatibility with swirskii mite. The trial was conducted on an ornamental host, salvia under greenhouse conditions. Weekly samplings showed overlapping generations of Amblyseius swirskii on host plants throughout the study period indicating drench application of cyantraniliprole at the applied rate was compatible with Amblyseius swirskii. In mite only treated plots, a significantly higher mean number of Amblyseius swirskii eggs on weeks 1, 5 and 7, and motiles on weeks 2, 4, 5, and 6, were found compared to rest of the three treatments. Cyantraniliprole was effective in suppressing MED whitefly life-stages throughout the study period. A significantly lower whitefly eggs, early immatures, and late immatures were recorded on all the sampling dates (except for week 3 for late immatures) in two insecticide treated plots (cyantraniliprole alone and in combination with swirskii) compared to the untreated control. Amblyseius swirskii was as effective in reducing whitefly life stages as cyantraniliprole treated plots.