Skip to main content
ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #84249
Title: INSIGHTS ON BEMISIA POPULATION DYNAMICS FROM SIMULATIONS WITH THE BIOCONTROL-WHITEFLY MODEL

Author
item DeGrandi-Hoffman, Gloria
item Naranjo, Steven
item GOULD, JULI - USDA-APHIS, PHOENIX, AZ

Submitted to: Silverleaf Whitefly: 1997 Supplement to the Five Year National Research and
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/1/1997
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: A temperature-based mathematical model that simulates Bemisia biotype B (= B. argentifolii Bellows and Perring), parasite, and predator population dynamics (BIOCONTROL-WHITEFLY) has been developed. The model, called BIOCONTROL-WHITEFLY, also simulates pesticide applications and augmentative releases of parasites and predators and their effects on Bemisia populations. Predictions from BIOCONTROL-WHITEFLY on Bemisia development and population growth at various temperatures on cotton are comparable with literature values. The model predicts that temperature and migration are the most important factors influencing Bemisia population growth and the potential efficacy of biological control agents. Simulations indicated that Bemisia populations could be significantly impacted by a parasite with host feeding behavior if immigration did not occur. Simulations were conducted to determine the effectiveness of augmentative releases of biocontrol agents and pesticide applications in reducing Bemisia populations when immigration occurred (immigration rate = 2.5 whitefly females per leaf per week). The pesticide application was more effective in reducing the Bemisia population in the short term compared with the augmentative release of host feeding parasites. However, in the long run neither control strategy resulted in a permanent reduction of the Bemisia population when immigration occurred.