Whitefly Management in Arizona: Contribution of Natural Enemies to Whitefly Mortality

Abstract

Direct-observation studies were conducted to identify causes and estimate rates of mortality of whiteflies over the course of four generations between late June to early September in replicated experimental plots. In plots receiving no whitefly insecticides. predation and dislodgment were major sources of egg and nymphal mortality and overall survival from egg to adult ranged from 1-8.5%. Similar patterns were observed in plots treated with insect growth regulators. except that Knack caused high levels of egg inviability and Applaud was a major source of mortality in small nymphs during the second generation immediately following single applications of these materials. Mortality due to predation was generally lowest for eggs and nymphs in plots treated with a rotation of conventional insecticides reflecting disruption of the predator fauna. Parasitism was a very minor source of mortality throughout. The selective action of the IGRs enhances the abundance and activity of natural enemies resulting in high levels of whitefly control with minimal use of disruptive insecticides. Natural enemies likely contribute to the "extended" residual effects of IGRs so commonly reported by growers.