New Insecticides for Potential Use for Whitefly Control in Cantaloupes

Abstract

Most experimental treatments effectively reduced Bemisia tabaci [sweetpotato whitefly (WF) also known as silverleaf WF, B. argentifolii] adults and eggs in cantaloupes relative to the untreated check at 6 days after treatment of each of five applications. Acephate (Orthene®), buprofezin (Applaud®), bifenthrin (Capture®), endosulfan, fenpropathrin (Danitol®), naled (Dibrom®), and pymetrozine(CGA -215944, Ciba) treatments had the fewest adults and eggs. Insect growth regulator (IGR) materials in combinations, pyriproxyfen (S-71639, Valent) and fenoxycarb (Ciba),were more effective in reducing WF relative to the untreated check than when applied alone. Registered products, Dibrom®, endosulfan, and methamidaphos (Monitor®) were effective in combinations or in alternating applications.