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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Fort Pierce, Florida » U.S. Horticultural Research Laboratory » Subtropical Insects and Horticulture Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #199265
Title: THE Q-BIOTYPE WHITEFLY

Author
item BETHKE, J - UNIV. OF CALIFORNIA
item GILREIN, D - CORNELL
item LUDWIG, S - TEXAS A&M
item OETTING, R - UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA
item OSBORNE, L - UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA

Submitted to: Ornamental Outlook
Publication Type: Popular Publication
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/1/2006
Publication Date: 4/1/2006
Citation: Bethke, J., Gilrein, D., Ludwig, S., Oetting, R., Osborne, L. 2006. The Q-Biotype Whitefly. Grower Talks. 69(12):44-52.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: In 2004, the Q-biotype of the sweetpotato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci, was identified in the U.S. for the first time. The level of insecticide resistance to pyriproxyfen (Distance) and imidacloprid (Marathon) of the Q-biotype was higher than any U.S. population of B-biotype whiteflies (silverleaf whitefly, Bemisia argentifolii) previously tested. An Ad Hoc Whitefly Task Force was established in the spring of 2005 to respond to this new pest. This task force includes representatives from the cotton, vegetable and ornamentals industries as well as regulators and scientists. The good news for the ornamental growers is that at present, the USDA APHIS won’t regulate biotypes. Currently the Q-biotype whitefly has been found in 21 states. Integrated management is the key to keeping this pest managed. Researchers in California, New York, and Georgia evaluated insecticides against the Q-biotype whiteflies in 2005 and found many products provide greater than 70% control (see summary tables of insecticide trails in article), and should be used in a rotation program to assist in the prevention of insecticide resistance. Rotation means switching among modes of action. The best way to determine a product’s mode of action is to follow the Insecticide Resistance Action Committee’s number system (see www.irac-online.org). Remember to review the labels for restrictions on how often a material can be applied and to develop your plan thinking about other pests that you need to manage. Go back to the basics: scouting and sanitation is essential. At present, the Q-biotype is a manageable pest on floricultural crops if best management practices are employed.