Management Of Whiteflies Research Articles

Attraction of Sweet Potato Whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), and Two Generalist Predators to Green Leaf Volatile Compounds.

Traditionally, olfaction was thought to play a minor role in the behavioral ecology of the sweet potato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius). However, recent research is uncovering significant potential for whitefly management based on olfaction. Incorporating chemical attractants with standard whitefly management programs could significantly improve control. The integration of attractants with biological control is exceptionally promising. Therefore, the behavioral response of B. tabaci and two generalist predators to the green leaf volatiles (E)-2-hexenal, (Z)-3-hexenal, (Z)-3-hexenyl acetate, and (Z)-3-hexe-1-ol were investigated in Y-tube olfactometers. Three of the four green leaf volatiles resulted in the attraction of female B. tabaci. Blend optimization indicated a two-chemical blend to be the most attractive blend for female B. tabaci. In addition, this blend was attractive to female Macrolophus praeclarus (Distant) but did not elicit a behavioral response from either male or female Delphastus catalinae (Horn). The two-chemical blend of green leaf volatiles could be further developed as a lure to attract B. tabaci and its predator, M. praeclarus.

Management of White Fly (Bemisia tabaci Genn.) by Different Bio-Pesticides on Red Okra Crop

The experiment was conducted in Kharif season 2023 at an organic research farm, Kargua Ji, Department of Entomology, Bundelkhand University Jhansi. The present investigation was worked out with nine treatments including control (untreated) in three replications, a total of 27 plots were designed under randomized block design against the white fly infestation on the okra crop. Three applications of treatments were carried out and observations were taken at 3 days, 7 days and 14 days after spraying of the treatments. All the treatments were found significantly effective over control to manage the population of the white fly, where Neem oil was found to be the most effective treatment that recorded a minimum population of 6.94 whiteflies per leaf as per NKSE recorded 9.94 white fly/plant and Karanj oil (10.91), where all Neembased product was found effective against white fly moreover among all microbial pesticides Beaveria bassiana found effective. Among all treatments maximum yield was obtained from Neem oil treated plots recorded at 161.36 Qt/hac as per with NSKE (155.87 Qt/hac) but the highest C:B ratio was recorded under NSKE(1:1.82) followed by Neem oil (1:1.77).

A new pest suction machine to control Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) in tomato greenhouses.

The sweetpotato whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) is challenging to control using chemical pesticides owing to its resistance to many insecticides. Thus, there has been an increasing demand for alternative control measures. Thus, this study evaluated the efficacy of a newly designed pest suction machine to manage whiteflies on tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum L.) (Solanales: Solanaceae) in greenhouses over 2 seasons. The suction machine comprised a battery-powered cart with a mounted suction unit, an ultrasonic device, and green lights. Ultrasonic irradiation provided non-contact vibration, facilitating the movement of adult whiteflies away from the plants, and green lights attracted them to the suction device. This combination effectively captured whitefly adults, even with a weak suction force, saving electricity consumption. The efficacy of suction machine was further evaluated by measuring the number of whitefly adults caught by the machine and the number of adults and nymphs remaining on the tomato leaves. The whitefly population was considerably lower in the treated blocks than in the non-treated blocks in the autumn trial. The machine reduced the density of whitefly adults without using chemical pesticides. Although a lot of optimizations would be required, suction control is an additional and alternative strategy that may be incorporated in the integrated pest management of whiteflies on greenhouse tomato plants.

Vibrations as a new tool for pest management – a review

AbstractSensory stimuli are essential for arthropod survival and reproduction. Given the widespread use of vibrational communication among diverse taxa, exploiting vibrational senses has great potential for successful pest management. In this review, we summarize our recent findings on vibration‐based pest management and future perspectives in the context of integrated pest management. We first examine the management of whiteflies – the tobacco whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) and the greenhouse whitefly, Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Westwood) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) – in various facilities where tomatoes are cultivated. We then explore the recent application of vibration for the control of fungus gnats of the genus Neoempheria (Diptera: Mycetophilidae) infesting shiitake mushrooms. Finally, we discuss the control of the brown‐winged green stink bug, Plautia stali Scott (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), a pest of fruit trees in Japan. Notably, our trials have demonstrated that vibrational treatments are profitable not only for reducing pest populations but also for indirect benefits such as increased crop yields or the enhancement of pest control effectiveness.

Effect of Whitefly (Bemisia tabaci Genn.) Infestation on the Growth Parameters of Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) in Kebbi State, Nigeria

Whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci Genn.) are aggressive hemipteran species that depend primarily on leaf tissue for their nourishment, causing substantial damages and yield losses in their hosts. This study was carried out to assess the effect of whitefly infestation on the growth parameters of one of the commercial eggplant cultivars (round green Solanum melongena L) under filed conditions. The trial consists of four treatments (T1= 15, T2= 30, T3= 45 and control (T4) = 0 whiteflies/plot) replicated four times. The result revealed that all the parameters assessed are negatively affected by whitefly infestation with plants in treatment (T3) being most affected while those in T1 are least affected. The dry weight recorded least value (1.1 g/leaf) having the highest percentage reduction (69.11%) followed by leaf area with 152.5cm2 (48.83% reduction) while the number of leaves was least affected recording 50.3 leaves/plant (18.09% reduction) at 90 days after infestation in 2022 experiment. In 2023 experiment, similar results were recorded with plants in T3 being most affected. Dry weight of the leaves had the lowest value (1.3g/leaf) representing the highest reduction (68.30%) followed by the leaf area with 167.3cm2 (44.8% reduction) with the number of leaves also being least affected, recording 52.1 leaves/plant representing 9.40% reduction with plants in treatment T1, at 90 days after infestation. The highest reduction in yield was also recorded with plants in T3 (92.10, 90.10%) while the least was observed in T1 (86.8 and 85.70%) for the respective trials (2022 and 2023). The result shows the level of susceptibility of the variety examined to whitefly infestation, demonstrating the urgent needs for the development of eco-friendly and sustainable whitefly management regimes for improved eggplant production in the area.

Knockout of ecdysis triggering hormone receptor (ETHr) gene adversely affects the nymphal molting and adult reproduction in Bemisia tabaci

Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) is one of the most dangerous polyphagous pests in the world causing damage to various crops by sucking sap during the nymphal and adult stages. Chemical management of whiteflies is challenging because of the emergence of pesticide resistance. RNA interference has been well established in whitefly to study the functions of various genes. G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) are important targets for development of new generation insecticides. In this study, Ecdysis triggering hormone receptor (ETHr) gene expression was recorded in different stages of whitefly and its function has been studied through RNAi. The expression of ETHr is highest in third-instar nymphs followed by other nymphal instars, pupae and newly emerged adults. Silencing of ETHr resulted in significantly higher adult mortality (68.88%), reduced fecundity (4.46 eggs /female), reduced longevity of male and female (1.05 and 1.40 days, respectively) when adults were fed with dsETHr @ 1.0 μg/μl. Silencing of ETHr in nymphs lead to significantly higher mortality (81.35%) as compared to control. This study confirms that ETHr gene is essential for growth and development of whitefly nymphs and adults. Hence, it can be future target for developing dsRNA based insecticides for management of whitefly.

Studies on Seasonal Abundance and Insecticidal Management of Whitefly (Bemisia tabaci Gennadius) in Brinjal

Studies on Seasonal Abundance and Insecticidal Management of Whitefly (Bemisia tabaci Gennadius) in Brinjal

Effectiveness of chitosan nanohydrogel mediated encapsulation of EcR dsRNA against the whitefly, Bemisia tabaci Asia-I (Gennedius) (Hemiptera: Aleyordidae)

Bemisia tabaci is a global invasive pest causing substantial loss on several economically important crops and has developed a very high level of resistance to insecticides making current management practices ineffective. Thus, the novel pest management strategy like RNA interference (RNAi) has emerged as a potential molecular tool in the management of insect pests particularly B. tabaci. The present study investigated RNAi mediated silencing of the Ecdysone Receptor (EcR) gene in B. tabaci Asia-I using biodegradable Chitosan Nanoparticles (CNPs) hydrogel containing EcR dsRNA. The formation of nanohydrogel and dsRNA loading were characterized by gel retardation assay, scanning electron microscopy (SEM); transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Fourier transform infrared microscopy (FTIR). The stability of CNPs/dsRNA was assessed by exposure to direct sunlight and UV light for different time periods. The CNPs/dsRNA exhibited increased stability over the untreated control and further confirmed by bioassay studies which yielded mortality over 80% and effectively down regulated the expression of the EcR gene as confirmed by qRT-PCR analysis. These investigations provide potential avenues for advancing innovative pest management strategies using biopolymer CNPs hydrogel, which can enhance the efficiency of dsRNA as a safe and targeted solution in the management of whiteflies.

Effectiveness of integrated solarization technology in managing soil-borne pathogens and weeds in citrus seedlings under greenhouse conditions

Solarization Technology utilizes solar radiation to kill soil-borne pests, diseases, and weeds in an environmentally and eco-friendly way. In this study, we assessed the efficacy of integrating solarisation with sticky traps on two potting mixtures (sawdust and soil) for three Citrus species (Citrus sinensis, C. reticulata, and C. limon). Eight treatments were tested viz., non-solarized sawdust, non-solarized soil, solarized soil, solarized soil with sticky traps, non-solarized soil with sticky traps, non-solarized sawdust with sticky traps, solarized sawdust, and solarized sawdust with sticky traps, each replicated thrice and were arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD). Thirty sterilized seeds of each Citrus species were sown per treatment and monitored for one year in 2019. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed a significant difference in weed control between the treatments at p ≤ 0.05. Tukey’s post hoc test showed weed growth differences between treatments with sawdust and ones with soil as media. More weeds grew in non-solarized soil (32%), compared to non-solarized soil with sticky traps (30%), solarized soil with sticky traps (21%), solarized soil (17%), and treatments with sawdust media did not allow weed growth (0%). A Kruskal Wallis test revealed a significant effect of treatments on the survival percentage of Citrus seedlings (X2 = 36.008, df = 7, p< 0.001), mean of chewed leaves (X2 = 20.850, df = 7, p = 0.004) and percentage levels of low chlorophyll (X2 = 21.073, df = 7, p =0.004) at the p ≤ 0.05 level. Highest number of Citrus seedlings with folded leaves were observed in non-solarized sawdust with sticky traps (mean rank = 119.50), followed by non-solarized soil with sticky traps (112.22), and solarized sawdust (107.69), while the lowest in non-solarized sawdust (90.96), solarized soil (90.91), non-solarized soil (88.25), solarized sawdust with sticky traps (85.44) and lastly solarized soil with sticky traps (82.54). Citrus seedlings with sawdust media were observed to be nitrogen deficient (Mean ranks 118.43 - 141.63). Solarized soil with sticky traps had the least number of Citrus seedlings with leaf miner symptoms (Mean rank = 12.50). Therefore, solarized soil with sticky traps was the most suitable treatment for the control of soil-borne pathogens. Treatments with sawdust media effectively stopped weed growth while those with solarized soil media reduced their growth. Integration of sticky traps was very pivotal in the management of whiteflies and other honey dew secreting insects. We recommend a similar study under field conditions.

Integrated Approaches for Management of Whitefly (Bemisia tabaci Gennadius) to Prevent Chilli Leaf Curl Disease in Chilli Crop: A Review

Whitefly (Bemisia tabaci Gennadius) poses significant agricultural challenges due to its role as a vector for plant viral diseases, particularly the Chilli leaf curl disease (ChiLCD). This review discusses the multifaceted management strategies and elaborates on the future prospects and research directions to combat these threats. Precision agriculture is identified as a pivotal tool, with the utilization of drones, machine learning, and automated pesticide application offering early pest detection and targeted interventions. Exploration of novel biological controls, including RNA interference and microbiome manipulation, provide innovative avenues for sustainable pest management. A notable concern remains the development of resistance in pests. Genomic studies and an in-depth understanding of biochemical pathways have shed light on potential strategies to address resistance build-up mechanisms. Behavioral studies elucidate the adaptive changes in pests in response to pesticides. Effective management is not solely reliant on technological and biological advancements. Strengthening the linkages between farmers, extension services, and researchers is essential for the dissemination and practical application of research findings. Digital platforms, participatory research, and feedback mechanisms have emerged as beneficial in this context. While significant challenges persist in the management of Bemisia tabaci and ChiLCD, integrated approaches that combine advanced technology, innovative research, and robust stakeholder partnerships offer a promising pathway forward. This synthesis underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaborations and continuous research in shaping sustainable agricultural practices.

Evaluation of Insecticides in the Management of Whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci Gennadius) and their Impacts on Yield of Eggplants

Evaluation of Insecticides in the Management of Whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci Gennadius) and their Impacts on Yield of Eggplants

Efficacy of selected botanical oils against the cassava whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) and their effects on its feeding behaviour

AbstractThe control of the whitefly Bemisia tabaci relies heavily on the use of synthetic insecticides. There is a need to develop alternative control strategies due to concerns about impact of these insecticides on the environmental and human health, and the threat of insecticide resistance. Botanical oil extracts could potentially be used for the management of whiteflies and other pests. The study reported here therefore aimed to evaluate the efficacy of selected botanical oils against the cassava whitefly, B. tabaci and test their effect on its feeding behaviour. Patchouli oil treatment was the most effective at repelling whiteflies in no choice and choice experiments with up to 85% of whiteflies being repelled. Oviposition was also reduced 50–89% in patchouli. Neem was found to be effective at reducing oviposition, nymph and adult emergence by 50%, 70% and 80%, respectively, in a screenhouse no choice experiment. Patchouli significantly reduced the phloem ingestion phase (E2) by 40% and potential drops (pd) by 46% compared to control plants. Neem significantly increased the non‐probing duration by 48% and reduced pd by 50% compared to the control. Patchouli and neem were found to be the most effective among the selected botanical oils. These two oils should be further evaluated for efficacy under field conditions to determine suitability for recommendation as biopesticides against the cassava B. tabaci whitefly.

Large-scale IPM validation in whitefly (Bemisia tabaci)-prone cotton (Gossypium spp.) fields adjoining kinnow orchards

Whitefly [Bemisia tabaci (Gen)] is a serious sucking pest of cotton in the north zone of India. Cotton (Gossypiumspp.) fields adjoining kinnow orchards used to have a quite higher incidence of whiteflies compared to the fieldsaway from orchards. Therefore, the study was carried out at ICAR-National Centre for Integrated Pest Management,New Delhi during 2017–19 to implement integrated pest management (IPM) validation trial in cotton fields locatedadjoining the kinnow orchards in the village Nihalkhera of district Fazilka, Punjab in farmers’ participatory (FP). TheIPM strategy consists of weed removal from orchards, timely sowing of recommended cotton hybrid, 4 foliar spraysof 2% potassium nitrate, use of azadirachtin 1500 ppm @5 ml/litre, conservation of natural enemies by avoidance ofinsecticides that are harmful (IOBC Class-4) to natural enemies and judicious use of safer pesticides (IOBC class1and 2). The IPM adoption resulted in the successful management of whitefly and other sucking pests along with atwo to three-fold increase in predator population compared to FP. IPM recorded a substantial reduction in the use of pesticide active ingredients (86%) and the number of sprays (58%) along with high parasitization (35.32–45.98%) of whitefly nymphs by Encarsia sp. IPM provided a significant increase in yield (23%), net return (57.5%) along witha high benefit cost (B:C) ratio of 2.65.

Bio-pesticides as an ecofriendly management of Whitefly, Bemisia tabaci Mitotype Asia II-1

Bio-pesticides as an ecofriendly management of Whitefly, Bemisia tabaci Mitotype Asia II-1

Differential insecticide resistance in Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) field populations in the Punjab Province of Pakistan

The cotton whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) has a propensity for developing high-level resistance to insecticides. Management of B. tabaci in cotton grown in Pakistan depends on insecticide use, resistance monitoring has become essential to minimize the development of resistance. In this study, resistance was monitored in adult whiteflies collected from cotton fields in the Bahawalpur, Faisalabad, Lodhran, Multan, and Vehari districts of the Punjab Province, Pakistan during 2017, 2018, and 2019. Resistance monitoring was carried out for two insect growth regulators (pyriproxyfen and buprofezin) four neonicotinoids acetamiprid, imidacloprid, thiamethoxam, thiacloprid, and the historically used pyrethroid, bifenthrin and organophosphate, chlorpyrifos. Results based on resistance ratio (RR) showed that moderate to high level of resistance against noenicitinoids insecticides have been observed in all four districts while whiteflies exhibited very low to low resistance to pyriproxyfen and buprofezin. The RRs for acetamiprid, imidacloprid, thiamethoxam, thiacloprid varied from 7.60 to 50.99, 19.32 to 65.72, 17.18 to 54.65 and 6.49–47.49-fold, respectively. Bifenthrin and chlorpyrifos showed very low toxicity against whiteflies in all districts except Faisalabad, with RRs of 12.28–50.56-fold and 7.94–26.24-fold, respectively. The results will facilitate ‘smart’ selection and guide rates of insecticide applications for whitefly management in cotton for effective whitefly management while also delaying the development of resistance.

Validation of IPM Modules for the Management of Whitefly, Bemisia tabaci and Mungbean Yellow Mosaic Virus Disease in Greengram

Greengram is known to be infected by several viral diseases. Among them, Mungbean Yellow Mosaic Virus (MYMV) is the most destructive in India, and it is popularly known as the yellow plague. MYMV transmitted exclusively through plant-to-plant by whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius). For the management of MYMV, vector control is the only possible option. Hence, the attempt was made to evaluate IPM modules against whiteflies by reducing their population or disrupt MYMV transmission. The field experiment was conducted at Agricultural and Horticultural Research Station, Bhavikere, during the Kharif seasons of 2018 and 2019. The results of two seasons indicated that, the lowest whitefly population (1.70 per trifoliate leaf) and significantly lowest MYMV incidence was recorded in module-3 (Maize as a border crop + one spray of NSKE 5 % at 20 days after sowing + one spray of fish oil rosin soap @ 5ml/liter at 40 DAS). The highest grain yield (9.64 q/ha) and cost: benefit ratio (1: 3.23) was recorded in this module, followed by module-1 (Maize as a border crop + Seed treatment with imidacloprid 600 FS @ 5 ml per kg of seeds). For the management of MYMV and its vector whitefly, B. tabaci module-3 was effective compared to the standard check (Dimethoate 30 EC at the rate of 1.75 ml per liter). The importance of IPM in whitefly management to reduce virus incidence is discussed.

Management of Whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Genn.) and Yellow Mosaic Virus Disease Infesting Blackgram, Vigna mungo (Linn)

Background: Pulse crops have a unique position in sustainable crop production as they provide highly nutritive food and keep the soil alive as well as productive. They play an important role in the Indian agriculture economy being the major source of protein in Indian dietary. Due to its more luxurious growth and more vegetative canopy, number of insect pests and diseases attack from seedling to maturity stage especially sucking pests like whitefly (Bemisia tabaci Genn.), which is the vector of the drastic disease, yellow mosaic virus disease (YMD) and cause losses ranging from 30-80% per cent. Methods: The field experiment on the management of whitefly and yellow mosaic disease (YMD), was conducted by integrating different combination of insecticides and yellow sticky trap during Kharif, 2018 and 2019 at instructional farm of VBKVK, Udaipur. Seven treatments comprising of different combinations of seed treatments at the time of sowing, foliar spray at 30 and 45 DAG and yellow sticky traps were evaluated. Result: Among the different treatments, seed treatment with Imidacloprid 600 FS @ 5 ml/kg, first foliar spray of Diafenthuron 50 WP @ 0.1% and second foliar spray with Acetamiprid 20 SP @ 0.5 g/l at 30 and 45 DAS respectively + yellow sticky trap resulted in significantly less YMD incidence (18.91%) and the minimum mean whitefly population and highest seed yield of blackgram. The above treatment was followed by seed treatment with Imidacloprid 600 FS @ 5 ml/kg and two foliar spray of Acetamiprid 20 SP @ 0.5 g/l at 30 and 45 DAS + yellow sticky trap, which recorded 20.31% disease incidence of YMD and mean whitefly population of (3.77 and 1.44/plant, respectively after first and second spray) and black gram yield of 10.01 q/ha.

Efficacy of Metarhizium anisopliae and (E)-2-hexenal combination using autodissemination technology for the management of the adult greenhouse whitefly, Trialeurodes vaporariorum Westwood (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae).

The efficiency of an autodissemination technique in controlling adult whiteflies, Trialeurodes vaporariorum Westwood (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) on tomato, Solunum lycopersicum was investigated with previously identified potent fungal isolates of Metarhizium anisopliae ICIPE 18, ICIPE 62 and ICIPE 69 under screenhouse or semi-field conditions. The autodissemination device was inoculated with dry conidia of the M. anisopliae isolates, while control insects were exposed to a fungus-free device. Sampling for conidia uptake, conidial viability and persistence, and insect mortality was done at 1, 2, 3, 5 and 8 days post-exposure, and collected insects were monitored for mortality over ten days. Overall, mortality was higher in insects exposed to ICIPE 18 (62.8%) and ICIPE 69 (61.8%) than in those exposed to ICIPE 62 (42.6%), with median lethal times, (LT50) ranging between 6.73-8.54 days. The control group recorded the lowest mortality rates (18.9%). A general linear reduction in conidial viability with exposure time was observed, although this was more pronounced with M. anisopliae ICIPE 62. Insects exposed to M. anisopliae ICIPE 69 also recorded the highest conidia uptake, hence selected for further evaluation with a T. vaporariorum attractant volatile organic compound, (E)-2-hexenal. The volatile inhibited fungal germination in laboratory compatibility tests, therefore, spatial separation of M. anisopliae ICIPE 69 and (E)-2-hexenal in the autodissemination device was conducted. The inhibitory effects of the volatile were significantly reduced by spatial separation at a distance of 5 cm between the fungus and the volatile, which was found to be more suitable and chosen for the subsequent experiments. Results showed that (E)-2-hexenal did not influence conidia uptake by the insects, while fungal viability and the subsequent mortality variations were more related to duration of exposure. The fungus-volatile compatibility demonstrated with spatial separation provides a basis for the optimisation of the volatile formulation to achieve better T. vaporariorum suppression with an excellent autodissemination efficiency when used in the management of whiteflies under screenhouse conditions.

Whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) Management (WFM) Strategies for Sustainable Agriculture: A Review

The whitefly (Bemisia tabaci Gennadius) is a notorious devastating sap-sucking insect pest that causes substantial crop damage and yield losses due to direct feeding by both nymphs and adults and also through transmission of viruses and diseases. Although the foliar application of synthetic pesticides is crucial for efficient control of B. tabaci, it has adverse effects such as environmental pollution, resistance and resurgence of the pest, toxicity to pollinators, and crop yield penalty. Thus, a suitable, safe, and robust strategy for the control of whiteflies in the agricultural field is needed. The reports on whitefly-resistant transgenic plants are scanty, non-reproducible, and/or need secondary trials and clearance from the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC), the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The present review encompasses explicit information compiled from 364 articles on the traditional, mechanical, biological, biotechnological, and chemical strategies for whitefly management (WFM), IPM strategy, and future prospects of WFM for food and agriculture security.

Recommendations for Management of Whiteflies, Whitefly-Transmitted Viruses, and Insecticide Resistance for Production of Cucurbit Crops in Florida

This publication lists and describes common viruses spread in cucurbit crops by whiteflies. It includes strategies for managing whiteflies, most of them originally from a similar publication on managing whiteflies in tomatoes.