Can Generalist Predators Control Bemisia tabaci?

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Entomology
• Biological Control
• Pest Management

Background:

• Bemisia tabaci (whitefly) is a global pest with widespread insecticide resistance.
• Biological control is gaining importance for managing this pest.
• Generalist predators are being investigated for their role in whitefly suppression.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the impact of generalist predators on Bemisia tabaci in US cropping systems over the past 20 years.
• To identify key generalist predator species that contribute to whitefly control.
• To assess the potential for generalist predators in integrated pest management strategies.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies from the last two decades.
• Analysis of laboratory feeding trials and molecular gut content analysis.
• Correlation of predator abundance with Bemisia tabaci predation in field studies.

Main Results:

• At least 30 generalist predator species were found to feed on Bemisia tabaci.
• Nine predator species show particularly high impact on whitefly populations.
• Higher abundance of specific predators correlates with increased whitefly predation.
• Predator communities often exhibit complementary feeding niches but also intraguild predation.

Conclusions:

• A diverse community of generalist predators actively preys on Bemisia tabaci.
• These predators have the potential for substantial biological control of whiteflies in agricultural settings.
• Developing reduced-spray programs is crucial to maximize the efficacy of generalist and specialized natural enemies.