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Research Project: Exotic Whitefly Pests of Vegetables and Ornamental Plants

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Title: Assessing compatibility of Isaria fumosorosea and buprofezin for mitigation of Aleurodicus rugioperculatus (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) - an invasive pest in the Florida landscape

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

Submitted to: Journal of Economic Entomology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/9/2018
Publication Date: 3/13/2018
Citation: Kumar, V., Francis, A., Avery, P., McKenzie, C.L., Osborne, L.S. 2018. Assessing compatibility of Isaria fumosorosea and buprofezin for mitigation of Aleurodicus rugioperculatus (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) - an invasive pest in the Florida landscape. Journal of Economic Entomology. 111(3):1069-1079.

Interpretive Summary: Rugose spiraling whitefly (RSW) is an invasive pest of palms, woody ornamentals, and fruits in Florida. The pathogenicity of a naturally occurring entomopathogenic fungus, Isaria fumosorosea (PFR-97) is well known for its activity against commonly found whiteflies in the region. In the current study, we tested the efficacy of this entomopathogenic fungus alone and in combination with an insect growth regulator, buprofezin (Talus) against the rugose spiraling whitefly under laboratory and landscape conditions. Compatibility of two products was tested at different concentrations, and they were found compatible at their recommended rate of application. Results from the efficacy trials suggest Talus alone or in combination with PFR 97 can be used to control this pest in outdoor conditions. The outcome of the study will be significant for the development of a non-neonic management strategy against this invasive whitefly pest.

Technical Abstract: A significant reduction in Rugose spiraling whitefly (RSW) population was reported for more than 5 weeks in buprofezin alone and more than 7 weeks in the combination treatments. In fall 2014 and summer 2015, the mean whitefly mortality observed during the 10 week assessment period were 52.4 and 42.1% for Isaria fumosorosea, 79.6 and 79.0% for buprofezin, and 87.6 and 84.3% in mixed treatments, respectively. Results suggest buprofezin offers an effective alternate in the battle against invasive whiteflies in Florida ecosystems, either as a stand-alone strategy or in an integrated approach. It would also encourage the retention of effective chemistries for a longer period in the marketplace. Possible measures for mitigating and preventing trans-boundary movement of RSW are discussed.