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Methodology for Developing Life Tables for Sessile Insects in the Field Using the Whitefly, Bemisia tabaci, in Cotton As a Model System
Published on: November 1, 2017
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The Parasitoid Eretmocerus hayati Is Compatible with Barrier Cropping to Decrease Whitefly (Bemisia tabaci MED)
Xiaoming Zhang1,2, Marco Ferrante3,4, Fanghao Wan1
1State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China.
Insects
|January 23, 2020
Summary
Integrated pest management using trap crops and parasitoids effectively controls the whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (MED). This non-chemical approach reduces pest densities and enhances crop yield in cotton fields.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Entomology
- Integrated Pest Management
- Biological Control
Background:
- The Mediterranean (MED) cryptic species of Bemisia tabaci is a significant global agricultural pest.
- Non-chemical control methods are crucial for sustainable agriculture and pest management.
- Developing integrated strategies combining biological and cultural controls is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of trap/barrier crops combined with parasitoid releases for controlling Bemisia tabaci in cotton.
- To assess the impact of intercropping and perimeter planting strategies on whitefly populations.
- To determine the compatibility of biological control agents with cultural control methods.
Main Methods:
- Field experiments were conducted in Northern China using cantaloupe and sunflower as trap crops, and maize as a barrier crop.
- Periodic releases of the parasitoid Eretmocerus hayati were implemented in cotton plots.
- Whitefly densities (immature and adult), parasitism rates, and crop yield were monitored and analyzed.
Main Results:
- All tested treatments significantly reduced immature whitefly densities.
- Intercropping with sunflower and perimeter planting with cantaloupe led to higher parasitism rates.
- Adult whitefly density decreased with increased parasitoid abundance, and maize barrier crops were effective.
- Intercropping proved more effective than perimeter planting for reducing whitefly populations and increasing cotton yield.
Conclusions:
- Combining trap/barrier crops with parasitoid releases is a viable non-chemical strategy against Bemisia tabaci.
- The tested methods are compatible, as barrier crops did not impede parasitoid dispersal.
- This integrated approach offers a promising solution for sustainable management of this destructive pest.
