Ulti-Mite: Revolutionizing biocontrol with innovative predatory mite sachets
Whiteflies are a persistent challenge for commercial growers, affecting crop health and yield. These small pests can quickly infest greenhouses, causing extensive damage to a wide variety of crops, from tomatoes and cucumbers to ornamentals. Fortunately, biological control products like Encarsia formosa and Eretmocerus eremicus, two species of parasitic wasps, provide an effective, sustainable solution for whitefly management.
In this article, we explore how these natural enemies can help commercial growers achieve optimal pest control while aligning with Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies.
Understanding whiteflies and their impact
Whiteflies, including species such as the greenhouse whitefly (Trialeurodes vaporariorum) and the tobacco whitefly (Bemisia tabaci), are notorious for their rapid reproduction and damage potential. These pests feed on plant sap, excreting sticky honeydew that promotes sooty mold, reducing photosynthesis and crop quality. Furthermore, whiteflies are vectors for plant viruses, posing an additional threat to crop health and marketability.
The key to effective whitefly management lies in targeting their lifecycle. This is where parasitic wasps like Encarsia formosa and Eretmocerus eremicus excel, as they interrupt whitefly development by parasitizing and controlling immature stages.
Learn more about whiteflies
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Why biological control of whiteflies with parasitic wasps?
Biological control of whitefly using Encarsia formosa and Eretmocerus eremicus offers numerous advantages:
- Targeted control: Parasitic wasps specifically target whitefly nymphs without affecting beneficial insects or pollinators
- Broad coverage: These wasps disperse effectively throughout crops, utilizing their flying capabilities to cover larger areas
- Reduced chemical dependency: Integrating biological agents reduces the need for chemical pesticides, minimizing resistance risks and residue issues
- Eco-friendly: These natural predators align with sustainable and organic farming practices
- Cost-effective in the long term: Once established, parasitic wasps can provide ongoing pest suppression, reducing overall pest management costs
Encarsia formosa: A proven ally for whitefly control
Encarsia formosa is one of the most effective and widely used biological control agents for managing whiteflies. This tiny wasp parasitizes the immature stages of whiteflies by laying its eggs inside the nymphs. As the wasp larvae develop, they consume the whitefly nymphs from within, effectively disrupting their lifecycle.
- Best used for: Greenhouse whiteflies (Trialeurodes vaporariorum)
- Optimal conditions: Performs best in temperatures between 20°C and 30°C (68°F to 86°F)
- Application tips: Introduce Encarsia formosa early in the whitefly infestation when populations are still low. Regularly release the wasps to ensure ongoing control
Encarsia formosa products
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Eretmocerus eremicus: A versatile whitefly predator
Eretmocerus eremicus is another highly effective parasitic wasp, particularly for controlling both Greenhouse whitefly and Tobacco whitefly. This species parasitizes whitefly nymphs by inserting its eggs underneath the nymph’s body. Additionally, adult Eretmocerus eremicus can feed on whitefly nymphs, providing a dual mode of action.
- Best used for: Both Greenhouse whiteflies (Trialeurodes vaporariorum) and Tobacco whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci)
- Optimal conditions: Thrives in warmer environments, tolerating temperatures up to 35°C (95°F)
- Application tips: Use in combination with Encarsia formosa for robust whitefly control, especially in mixed whitefly populations. Monitor environmental conditions to ensure maximum effectiveness
Eretmocerus eremicus products
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How to integrate parasitic wasps into your IPM strategy
Parasitic wasps are effective natural enemies which can optimize an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program. Follow these steps to maximize their impact:
Choose the right parasitic wasp species
- En-Strip: Encarsia formosa wasps are typically the more effective parasite in cooler conditions (below 25°C) and in lower dispersed whitefly situations as they live longer so they can oviposit eggs over a longer duration.
- Ercal: Eretmocerus eremicus prefers warmer temperatures, typically above 25°C and responds more quickly to high-pressure whitefly situations because they oviposit all their eggs over a shorter period than Encarsia formosa.
- Enermix: Often considered the safest choice, Enermix wasps (both Encarsia formosa and Eretmocerus eremicus) provide a buffer for a variety of situations, making them suitable for a range of temperature and pressure conditions.
Timing of introduction
- Determine whether to introduce parasitic wasps preventatively or once the first whiteflies appear on monitoring cards (the choice depends on your crop, risk factors, and your previous years whitefly pressure).
- When applying under winter conditions, the diminished light and colder temperatures can have an adverse impact on the behavior of the parasites. Their flying capabilities are reduced, and they tend to predominantly crawl in search of whiteflies. To compensate for these challenges, a higher introduction rate and an increased number of introduction points will be required for effective pest control.
Adjust introduction rates
- For greenhouse whitefly control, monitor the levels of parasitism by inspecting the oldest leaves; yellow or black pupae indicate they have been parasitized by Ercal (yellow) or En-Strip (black). The target is to achieve and maintain 80% parasitism levels. Adjust the weekly introduction rates of parasitic wasps accordingly. Example: If approximately 60% of pupae are parasitized, increase the weekly introduction rates by 30% until the 80% parasitism target has been achieved.
Tailored advice for your crop
For tailored advice and expert guidance on implementing parasitic wasps into your pest management strategy, get in touch with our crop experts. Whether you’re managing a greenhouse full of tomatoes or an expansive ornamental plant operation, our team is here to help.
We’ll work with you to analyze your unique challenges, assess your crop’s requirements, and develop a customized plan for effective pest management using biological control solutions like parasitic wasps.
Contact us today to speak with one of our crop experts. They’ll provide you with personalized advice tailored to your specific growing needs.
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