Insecticides for Whitefly Control in Cantaloupes

Abstract

Several experimental insecticide treatments alone or in combinations were evaluated and demonstrated efficacy against Bemisia argentifolii [silverleaf whitefly (WF) also known as sweet potato WF, B. tabaci]. At each rating date following each of four applications, the number of adult and immature WF were reduced relative to the untreated check CGA-215944 (Ciba) treatment combinations were similar at each rating date and significant differences could not be distinguished between the addition of fenoxycarb (Ciba) or CGA-59205 (Ciba). Combinations of insecticides or alternating with insect growth regulators (IGR's) also significantly reduced numbers of WF adults and immatures similar to the standard treatment of bifenthrin (Capture®) plus endosulfan. A single application of pyriproxyfen (Valent) was followed by different treatments [endosulfan followed by fenpropathrin (Danitol®) plus methamidaphos (Monitor®) followed by endosulfan] at each application date. Buprofezin (Applaud®) was combined or alternated with endosulfan at each application and similar reduction of WF was observed. Pyridaben (BASF) did not adequately reduce WF adults and immatures relative to the standard treatment in this test. The Ciba compounds and single or multiple applications of the IGR's, pyriproxyfen and Applaud were highly effective in substantially reducing WF immatures and adults in this test.