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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Maricopa, Arizona » U.S. Arid Land Agricultural Research Center » Pest Management and Biocontrol Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #204708
Title: Mortality and Population Dynamics of Bemisia tabaci within a Multi-Crop System

Author
item Naranjo, Steven
item ELLSWORTH, PETER - UOFA, MAC, MARICOPA, AZ
item CANAS, LUIS - OSU, WOOSTER, OH

Submitted to: Bemisia International Workshop Proceedings
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 12/4/2006
Publication Date: 12/8/2006
Citation: Naranjo, S.E., Ellsworth, P.C., Canas, L. 2006. Mortality and Population Dynamics of Bemisia tabaci within a Multi-Crop System. Bemisia International Workshop Proceedings. Journal of Insect Science. 8:4. http://www.insectscience.org/8.04/ref/abstract71.html

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Bemisia tabaci is a multivoltine insect with no diapause that maintains population continuity by moving from one host to another over the year. To better understand the mechanisms governing population development of this insect, whitefly “ecosystems” were established in three geographically and climatically distinct areas in Arizona. These systems consisted of a sequence of six representative hosts; winter broccoli, spring and fall cantaloupes, summer cotton, perennial alfalfa, various annual weeds, and the perennial ornamental, lantana. Source and rates of natural mortality were quantified, in situ, on each host plant through life tables. Similar mortality factors were observed in all hosts at all sites but the quantitative contribution of each mortality factor varied among hosts and time of the year. Predation and dislodgement were consistently the largest sources of mortality, although mortality from desiccation was high during the fall and winter. Most mortality occurred during the 4th nymphal stadium for most host plants. Generational mortality was generally > 90% except on spring-planted cantaloupe where mortality was ' 65%. Predation, dislodgement, and desiccation were the key factors depending on host plant, season and site. Low mortality during the spring on cantaloupe appears to act as a biotic release leading to outbreak populations during summer months. Overall, an understanding of the year round dynamics of this pest will greatly aid the development of better pest management strategies in all affected crops.