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Research Project: Managing Invasive Weeds and Insect Pests Using Biologically-Based Methods

Location: Insect Behavior and Biocontrol Research

Title: Attraction of sweet potato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), and two generalist predators to green leaf volatile compounds

Author
item Gaffke, Alexander
item Miller, Neil
item SHARMA, ANAMIKA - Florida A & M University
item Allan, Sandra - Sandy

Submitted to: Insects
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/26/2024
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: The sweet potato whitefly is one of the most damaging insects to vegetable production in the united states. Pest management programs for this insect typically depend on intensive insecticide applications that are environmentally damaging, expensive, and resulting in insecticide resistance. To overcome these challenges to sweet potato whitefly management, scientist from the USDA-ARS Insect Behavior and Biocontrol Research Unit in Tallahassee, FL in collaboration with researchers from Florida A&M University investigated the use of attractive odors to control whiteflies and their predators. The research identified a blend of compounds that is attractive to whiteflies and one of its predators. This blend of compounds could be used in vegetable production to achieve better control of whiteflies.

Technical Abstract: Traditionally, olfaction was thought to play a minor role in the behavior ecology of sweet potato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius). However, recent research is uncovering significant potential for whitefly management based on olfaction. The integration of chemical attractants with standard whitefly management programs could significantly improve control. The integration of attractants with biological control is exceptionally promising. Therefore, the behavioral response of B. tabaci and two generalist predators to green leaf volatiles were investigated in Y-tube olfactometers. Three of the four green leaf volatiles resulted in attraction of female B. tabaci. Blend optimization indicated a 2-chemical blend to be the most attractive blend for female B. tabaci. In addition, this blend was attractive to female Macrolophus praeclarus (Distant), but did not elicit a behavioral response from either male or female Delphastus catalinae (Horn). The 2-chemical blend of green leaf volatiles could be further developed as a lure to attract B. tabaci and its predator M. praeclarus.