Efficacy of Eretmocerus eremicus and cyantraniliprole on Bemisia tabaci (MED whitefly), 2017

Authors: KUMAR, VIVEK - University Of Florida; HOUBEN, KATHERINE - University Of Florida; McKenzie, Cindy; OSBORNE, LANCE - University Of Florida

Submitted to: Arthropod Management Tests
Publication Type: Other
Publication Acceptance Date: 12/15/2016
Publication Date: 3/8/2017
Citation: Kumar, V., Houben, K., McKenzie, C.L., Osborne, L.S. 2017. Efficacy of Eretmocerus eremicus and cyantraniliprole on Bemisia tabaci (MED whitefly), 2017. Arthropod Management Tests. 42: E tsw145.

Interpretive Summary: Bemisia tabaci is a polyphagous pest (feeds on multiple plants) considered to be one of the most notorious invasive arthropods worldwide. It 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 parasitoid (Eretmocerus wasp) in the existing management practices being used by the growers. Eretmocerus wasp was found effectively controlling whitefly life-stages. Cyantraniliprole alone or in combination was also effective in suppressing MED whitefly life-stages throughout the study period. Results showed that the use of Eretmocerus wasp or cyantraniliprole can be an efficient alternative to the neonicotinoid class of insecticides frequently used by the growers for whitefly control.

Technical Abstract: Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) feeds on more than 900 host plants and vectors over 111 plant virus species and is considered to be a major invasive species worldwide. Among different biotypes of this cryptic species complex, MEAM1 and MED whitefly are the two most destructive members posing threats to several crops of economic importance. With the overall goal to find effective alternates to neonicotinoid insecticides for the MED whitefly management program, the specific objective of this study was to evaluate a whitefly parasitoid, Eretmocerus eremicus, and a diamide insecticide, cyantraniliprole, for whitefly control, when applied alone or in combination. Eretmocerus eremicus is among the parasitoids which utilize their prey for both food and site of reproduction resulting in suppression of the pest population on the plant. In the current study, whitefly parasitization by wasps was insignificant, and thus parasitized immatures and emerged wasps) were not included in the analysis. Cyantraniliprole was effective in suppressing MED whitefly life-stages throughout the study period. Significantly lower numbers of whitefly eggs, nymphs and adults (except wk1) were recorded on all the sampling dates in the two insecticide-treated plots (cyantraniliprole, and cyantraniliprole + E. eremicus) compared to the untreated control. Eretmocerus eremicus provided significant suppression in whitefly eggs and nymphs on week 1-7 and week 4-7, respectively. Numerically, combination treatment provided the best suppression in MED whitefly population. Overall whitefly mortality in different treatments ranged between 21 and 85% for E. eremicus, 71-100% for cyantraniliprole, and 88-100% for combination treatments.