Can Generalist Predators Control Bemisia tabaci?

Abstract

Simple SummaryWhiteflies are major insect pests on a global scale. The use of insecticides is the primary tool for controlling them, but there are many problems relying on this strategy. However, natural enemies like predators and parasitic insects that attack whiteflies can help provide a sustainable pest management approach. This paper focuses on predators that feed on whiteflies as well as other insect pests and are called generalist predators. We provide a comprehensive view of generalist predator contributions and review the currently recognized generalist predators of whiteflies. There are many generalist predators in agricultural cropping systems that help control whiteflies. We highlight the need for conservation biological control programs through habitat management strategies and the use of selective insecticides, with an aim for more sustainable management of whiteflies in crops.The whitefly, Bemisia tabaci, has developed resistance to many insecticides, renewing interest in the biological control of this global pest. Generalist predators might contribute to whitefly suppression if they commonly occur in infested fields and generally complement rather than interfere with specialized natural enemies. Here, we review literature from the last 20 years, across US cropping systems, which considers the impacts of generalist predators on B. tabaci. Laboratory feeding trials and molecular gut content analysis suggest that at least 30 different generalist predator species willingly and/or regularly feed on these whiteflies. Nine of these predators appear to be particularly impactful, and a higher abundance of a few of these predator species has been shown to correlate with greater B. tabaci predation in the field. Predator species often occupy complementary feeding niches, which would be expected to strengthen biocontrol, although intraguild predation is also common and might be disruptive. Overall, our review suggests that a bio-diverse community of generalist predators commonly attacks B. tabaci, with the potential to exert substantial control in the field. The key challenge will be to develop reduced-spray plans so that generalist predators, and other more specialized natural enemies, are abundant enough that their biocontrol potential is realized.