Sophia parasitic wasp

Authors: SCHOELLER, ERICH - University Of Florida; KLASCHUS,, AIMEE - Valencia University; WINCHESTER, CASSIUS - Valencia University; KUMAR, VIVEK - University Of Florida; McKenzie, Cindy; OSBORNE, LANCE - University Of Florida

Submitted to: Extension Digital Information Source (EDIS)
Publication Type: Other
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/11/2021
Publication Date: 6/30/2021
Citation: Schoeller, E.N., Klaschus,, A., Winchester, C., Kumar, V., Mckenzie, C.L., Osborne, L. 2021. Sophia parasitic wasp. Extension Digital Information Source (EDIS). https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/Creatures/MISC/WASPS/Encarsia_sophia.htm#top.

Interpretive Summary: The tiny parasitic wasp Encarsia sophia (Girault & Dodd) is an important natural enemy of whiteflies. It is used worldwide to control whitefly pests on economically important crops grown under greenhouse conditions. Due to its prolific ability to feed on hosts in addition to using them for reproduction, E. sophia has demonstrated strong pest suppression capabilities for a variety of whitefly species and target crops. In this article we discuss the life history of E. sophia and tactics for its use in pest control.

Technical Abstract: The autoparasitic wasp Encarsia sophia (Girault & Dodd) is utilized globally for biological control of whitefly pests on economically important greenhouse crops. Its high parasitism rates in conjunction with prolific host feeding behavior has made E. sophia one of the most successful biological control agents to date, and the ability to use E. sophia in greenhouse banker plant systems has increasingly made it one of the preferred whitefly parasitoids. In this article we discuss life history traits key to the success of E. sophia and strategies for its use.