Host stage suitability and impact of Encarsia noyesi (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) on the invasive Rugose spiraling whitefly, Aleurodicus rugioperculatus (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), in Florida

Publication date: Available online 1 May 2015 Source:Biological Control Author(s): Anthony J. Boughton , Miguel A. Mendez , Antonio W. Francis , Trevor R. Smith , Lance S. Osborne , Catharine M. Mannion Rugose spiraling whitefly (RSW), Aleurodicus rugioperculatus, is an invasive species that was first detected in the United States as a pest in urban landscapes in Miami Dade County in south Florida in 2009. Subsequently RSW has spread to become a serious nuisance pest on ornamental plants and palms in urban areas across south Florida. In 2012, an aphelinid parasitoid, Encarsia noyesi, was first documented attacking RSW in Miami Dade County, and observations suggest that as this parasitoid has dispersed and become more common, populations of RSW have declined. Greenhouse studies were conducted to evaluate the potential of E.noyesi as a biocontrol agent against RSW. Findings suggest that E. noyesi is an arrhenotokous, autoparasitoid of whiteflies. In clip cage studies, second, third and fourth stage nymphs were parasitized by E.noyesi and supported development of progeny, with significant reductions in whitefly survival. In screen cage studies, parasitism by E.noyesi reduced whitefly survival from 55 percent in controls to less than 10 percent in wasp treatment cages, which translated into smaller adult whitefly populations, and reductions in egg production of 89-98 percent. The wasps caused abrupt declines in whitefly populations, which were maintained at low levels f...

Source: Biological Control - May 7, 2015 Category: Biology Source Type: research