Integrating entomopathogens and synthetic insecticides for the management of whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) on vegetables

Authors: WARSI, SANOWER - Fort Valley State University; MBATA, GEORGE - Fort Valley State University; PERIER, JERMAINE - University Of Georgia; TOEWS, MICHAEL - University Of Georgia; Shapiro Ilan, David

Submitted to: Insect Science
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/13/2026
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Whiteflies are major pests of vegetable crops and some row crops such as cotton. Chemical insecticides are used to control whiteflies, though pesticide resistance has become a limiting factor in efficacy. Additionally, eue to environmental and regulatory concerns, there is a need to reduce chemical pesticides usage. One approach is to supplement or combine the chemical insecticides with biological pesticides, such as entomopathogenic (insect-killing) fungi. These fungi are safe to humans and the environment. Two common chemical pesticides (imidacloprid and cyantraniliprole) were tested for their ability to kill whiteflies when combined with three different species of insect-killing fungi. The experiments were conducted using squash as the host plan. Results indicated that certain combinations of fungi and chemical insecticides produce higher levels of whitefly mortality than either control method used alone. In some cases, the combinations were synergistic (whole greater than the sum of the parts). Additionally, the cultivar of squash used also impacted the whitefly mortality and the efficacy of the pesticide treatments. Overall, the results emphasized the potential of combining insect-kiliing with select insecticides, particularly imidacloprid, and the importance of cultivar-specific responses in optimizing whitefly control. The outcome could lead to reduced chemical pesticide use and increased profitability.

Technical Abstract: Whiteflies are major pests of vegetable crops and some row crops such as cotton. Chemical insecticides are used to control whiteflies, though pesticide resistance has become a limiting factor in efficacy. Additionally, eue to environmental and regulatory concerns, there is a need to reduce chemical pesticides usage. One approach is to supplement or combine the chemical insecticides with biological pesticides, such as entomopathogenic (insect-killing) fungi. These fungi are safe to humans and the environment. Two common chemical pesticides (imidacloprid and cyantraniliprole) were tested for their ability to kill whiteflies when combined with three different species of insect-killing fungi. The experiments were conducted using squash as the host plan. Results indicated that certain combinations of fungi and chemical insecticides produce higher levels of whitefly mortality than either control method used alone. In some cases, the combinations were synergistic (whole greater than the sum of the parts). Additionally, the cultivar of squash used also impacted the whitefly mortality and the efficacy of the pesticide treatments. Overall, the results emphasized the potential of combining insect-kiliing with select insecticides, particularly imidacloprid, and the importance of cultivar-specific responses in optimizing whitefly control. The outcome could lead to reduced chemical pesticide use and increased profitability.