Effect of foliar application of pyrifluquinazon on Bemisia tabaci (MED whitefly) and Amblyseius swirskii, 2016

Authors: KUMAR, 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: Kumar, V., Kakkar, G., McKenzie, C.L., Osborne, L.S. 2016. Effect of foliar application of pyrifluquinazon on Bemisia tabaci (MED whitefly) and Amblyseius swirskii, 2016. Arthropod Management Tests. 41:G135. 2pp. 2016. (Report)

Interpretive Summary: Bemisia tabaci is among the top 100 invasive arthropods pests globally, known to cause millions in economic losses in both control and host plant damage. It is extremely polyphagous, feeds upon over 900 plant taxa, and transmit >100 plant damaging viruses to its hosts. 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. Considering the role of biological control agents in the management program of whitefly pests, the objective of this study was to evaluate a pyridine insecticide (pyrifluquinazon) against MED whitefly, and assess its compatibility with swirskii mite. No significant difference in Amblyseius swirskii abundance (eggs and motiles) between mite treated and combination plots (Amblyseis swirskii + pyrifluquinazon) were reported on weeks 2-6 and 1-7, respectively. Pyrifluquinazon was effective in suppressing MED whitefly life-stages throughout the study period (except for week 1 and 2 for late immatures). Suppression of various stages of whitefly in plots treated with mites (only) was comparable with pyrifluquinazon treated plots, except for whitefly eggs in week 4-6 and, early immatures in week 4. Overall whitefly mortality in different treatments ranged between 59-89% for Amblyseius swirskii, 88-98% for pyrifluquinazon, and 83-100% for combination treatments.

Technical Abstract: 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 pyrifluquinazon, a pyridine insecticide for whitefly control, and assess its compatibility with swirskii mite, and assess its compatibility with swirskii mite. The trial was conducted on an ornamental host, salvia under greenhouse conditions. In mite only treated plots, a significantly higher mean number of Amblyseius swirskii eggs on weeks 2-6, and motiles on weeks 1-7 were found compared to rest of the three treatments. Pyrifluquinazon 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 wk1, 2 for late immatures) in two insecticide treated plots (pyrifluquinazon alone and in combination with swirskii) compared to the untreated control. Amblyseius swirskii was effective in reducing whitefly eggs after first sampling week, whereas it significantly suppressed early immatures throughout the study period.