Author
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Simmons, Alvin |
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Jackson, D |
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Submitted to: National Research and Action Plan for Silver Leaf Whitefly
Publication Type: Abstract Only Publication Acceptance Date: 1/28/1997 Publication Date: N/A Citation: N/A Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: A study was set up to evaluate the feasibility of using an ultrasonic fogging device for managing whiteflies with low dosages of contact insecticides. The research was conducted in cooperation with Strauch and Sons, Inc., Bethesda, MD. Tests were conducted on Bemisia argentifolii. Insecticide treatments with conventional applicators generally do not reach hthe bottom leaf surface where the whitefly feeds. Tests were conducted on collard in two plastic-covered greenhouses. One greenhouse was used for the fog treatments and the other was used for the untreated checks. The plants were grown in a separate greenhouse before the treatments. Residue analysis indicated that a high percentage (76%) of a biorational sugar ester insecticide was delivered to the bottom leaf surface compared with the upper surface. The fogger provided good control of whiteflies on test plants while using reduced rates of a foliar imidacloprid compared with the elabeled rate. Rates as low as 1/16 of the labeled rate provided high adul mortality. Also, the fogger provided high whitefly mortality under vapor pressure deficits ranging from low (2.7 mb) to high (57.8 mb). A wettable powder did not work in the fogger because it clogged the machine, which lacked agitation. Overall, the fogging device looks very promising for managing whiteflies in a greenhouse system and has a possibility for adaptation for field use. |
