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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Charleston, South Carolina » Vegetable Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #379733

Research Project: Basic and Applied Approaches for Pest Management in Vegetable Crops

Location: Vegetable Research

Title: Can generalist predators control Bemisia tabaci?

Author
item KHEIRODIN, ARASH - University Of Georgia
item Simmons, Alvin
item Legaspi, Jesusa
item Grabarczyk, Erin
item TOEWS, MICHAEL - University Of Georgia
item ROBERTS, PHILLIP - University Of Georgia
item CHONG, JUANG-HORNG - Clemson University
item SNYDER, WILLIAM - University Of Georgia
item SCHMIDT, JASON - University Of Georgia

Submitted to: Insects
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/20/2020
Publication Date: 11/23/2020
Citation: Kheirodin, A., Simmons, A.M., Legaspi, J.C., Grabarczyk, E.E., Toews, M.D., Roberts, P.M., Chong, J., Snyder, W.E., Schmidt, J.M. 2020. Can generalist predators control Bemisia tabaci?. Insects. 11:823. https://doi.org/10.3390/insects11110823.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/insects11110823

Interpretive Summary: Whiteflies are major insect crop pests on a global scale. The use of insecticides is the primary way growers control them, but there are many problems with relying on this strategy. However, natural enemies like predators and parasitic insects that attack whiteflies can help provide a sustainable pest management approach. This paper focuses on predators that feed on whiteflies as well as other insect pests and are called generalist predators. We provide a comprehensive view of generalist predator contributions and the currently recognized generalist predators of whiteflies. There are many generalist predators in agricultural crops that help control whiteflies. We highlight the need for conservation biological control programs through habitat management strategies and the use of selective insecticides, with an aim for more sustainable management of whiteflies in crops.

Technical Abstract: The whitefly Bemisia tabaci currently poses a significant challenge to sustainable agricultural in many regions of the world. Worldwide, insecticide applications are the primary means of control. However, rapid evolution of insecticide resistance emphasizes the need for alternative management options. Evidence suggests that improved biological control efficacy will help suppress whitefly populations under economic thresholds. Here, we review studies conducted over the past 20 years in the United States that focus on generalist predators of whiteflies. We provide a comprehensive view of generalist predator contributions and review the currently recognized generalist predators of whiteflies. Agroecosystems contain numerous generalist predator species that contribute significantly to B. tabaci control. Based on laboratory, greenhouse, and field studies, among 30 species that feed on whiteflies, and at least nine common generalist predators significantly contribute to whitefly control through direct feeding and indirect effects, such as altering whitefly spatial distribution and movement. We highlight the need for conservation biological control programs through habitat management strategies and the use of selective insecticides, with an aim for more sustainable management of B. tabaci in U.S. agroecosystems.