Whitefly Control Using Insect Growth Regulators

Abstract

Management of whiteflies with two insect growth regulators was compared with standard practices in grower managed cotton near Gila Bend, AZ. The IGRs, Knack (pyriproxyfen) and Applaud (buprofezin) were tested in a randomized complete block experiment with seven replicates. University ofArizona recommendations were followed to time insecticide applications. Following IGR applications, the nymphal populations remained near or below action thresholds (≤ 0.5-1.0 large nymphs per 3.88 cm² disk) from early August through early October. The standard practices treatments maintained the nymphal population through only early September, when populations sharply increased IGR treatments resulted in adult populations below University of Arizona action thresholds nearly as long as the nymphs. There was an adult population peak that followed a nymphal peak near the middle of September.