ARS | Publication request: Impact of Vapor Pressure Deficit on the Performance of Bemisia tabaci: Adult, Nymphal, and Egg Survival

Submitted to: Undergraduate Research Symposium
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: August 3, 2009
Publication Date: October 9, 2009
Citation: Howard, B.A., Simmons, A.M., Mahroof, R. 2009. Impact of Vapor Pressure Deficit on the Performance of Bemisia tabaci: Adult, Nymphal, and Egg Survival. Undergraduate Research Symposium. Abstracts of the Annual Science and Engineering Research Conference, Allen University, Columbia, SC, October 9, 2009.

Technical Abstract: The B-biotype sweetpotato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci, is a serious global pest with varying population dynamics among different ecosystems. An experiment was conducted to assess the impact of vapor pressure deficit (VPD) on the survival of adults, nymphs and eggs of B. tabaci. The insects were reared on caged collard plants at VPDs of 5.04 mb (85% RH), 16.81 mb (50% RH), and 26.89 mb (20% RH) at 26°C. At 5.04 mb, approximately 55% of B. tabaci survived while confined with its host. At 16.81 mb and 26.89 mb, about 76% and 36% survived, respectively. Survival performance of B. tabaci was least at the highest and lowest VPD. Thus, the performance was highest at 16.81 mb VPD. This information helps explain the population dynamics of this pest in different field environments. Moreover, growers may use this information to help manage B. tabaci in greenhouses through climate modification.