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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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Can electrostatic fields limit the take-off of tiny whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci)?
Omri Lapidot1, Avital Bechar2, Beni Ronen2
1School of Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, 6997801, Tel Aviv, Israel.
Summary
Electrostatic fields can influence insect flight. This study shows artificial electrostatic fields can suppress whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) take-off, offering potential pest control methods.
Area of Science:
- Insect behavior
- Biophysics
- Pest control
Background:
- Electrostatic fields are common in nature.
- Whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci) are small insects with powerful take-offs.
- Their take-off involves jumping before wing opening.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of electrostatic forces in whitefly take-off.
- To determine if electrostatic attraction can limit whitefly mobility.
- To explore the potential of electrostatic fields for whitefly pest control.
Main Methods:
- High-speed cameras were used to record whitefly take-off in an electrostatic field.
- Dead whiteflies were used to measure their electrical charge capacity.
- Calculations were performed to determine the electrostatic forces involved.
Main Results:
- Electrostatic forces were shown to stimulate whitefly wing opening and attract the insects.
- Whiteflies can carry electrical charges up to 3.5 pC.
- The electrostatic field strength required to impede natural take-off is higher than typical environmental levels.
Conclusions:
- Artificial electrostatic fields can effectively suppress whitefly flight.
- This finding suggests a novel approach for pest management in agricultural settings like greenhouses.
- Further research could optimize electrostatic methods for controlling Bemisia tabaci populations.
