Effect of application equipment to biopesticides for whitefly control (Trialeurodes vaporariorum) in greenhouses

Abstract

The Greenhouse Whitefly (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) is one of the main pests in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). Pest control with entomopathogenic fungi is an option to reduce the use of agrochemicals. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of the application equipment in the control of Trialeurodes vaporariorumthrough the application of the entomopathogenic Isaria javanica. Two trials were carried out (autumn and spring). I. javanica was applied with three pieces of equipment: a hydraulic sprayer with a gun, a pneumatic back-mounted sprayer, and a fixed fogger system. The number of adults and nymphs in different parts of the plant were counted. In both trials the greatest control of adults was observed with the pneumatic sprayer and the control achieved by misting and hydraulic spraying was similar. The control of nymphs was greater with a pneumatic sprayer, but there was also good control with fogger, especially in spring. Consideringthat the number of individuals was below the application threshold, the control was adequate with the three teams. Based on this, if a quick application is sought andthe operator does not enter the greenhouse, the fogger system is a recommended option.