Testing presence of oviposition deterrence by Chrysoperla rufilabris (Neuroptera Chrysopidae) against the silverleaf whitefly Bemisia argentifolii (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae)

Mentor: Dr. Jesusa C. Legaspi

Project:  The silverleaf whitefly (SLWF), Bemisia argentifolii is known to cause severe damage on crops.  The green lacewing, Chrysoperla rufilabris is known to feed on the silverleaf whitefly, which helps prevent the damage to crops.  Previous studies indicated a possible repellant effect or oviposition deterrence by C. rufilabris against the silverleaf whitefly.  The objective of the study is to determine repellant effect on oviposition of SLWF on plants exposed to green lacewing at different durations.  We exposed lima bean plants with C. rufilabris on each plant for 10, 6, and 4 days.  The control consisted of plants that were not exposed to the green lacewing.  After the Chrysoperla each exposure time, we removed the Chrysoperla.  The plants were then exposed to the SLWF for 3 days.  SLWF eggs were counted from each leaf.  Results indicate that plants exposed to green lacewing for 6 days had a significantly higher number of eggs compared to the 4 and 10 day treatments and the control.  Thus, no oviposition deterrence by green lacewing was observed in this experiment.
Elizabeth Aninakwa labeling potted lima bean plants Elizabeth Aninakwa labeling potted
lima bean plants.

Elizabeth Aninakwa labeling potted lima bean plants.	Elizabeth Aninakwa counting eggs of the silverleaf whitefly, Bemisia argentifolii, on lima beans.
Elizabeth Aninakwa releasing larva of green lacewing, Chrysoperla rufilibris, on lima bean plants.	Elizabeth Aninakwa releasing adults of the silverleaf whitefly, Bemisia argentifolii, into cages.