Encarsia/Whitefly

Description

Encarsia formosa is a wasp parasite used to control greenhouse whitefly (Trialeurodes vaporariorum) and Poinsettia whitefly (Bemisia tabaci).
An average daily temperature of 23°C is required for good control of whitefly by Encarsia. At lower temperatures (<20°C) much higher release rates are required. Encarsia also performs best when there are more than 10 hours of daylight. To increase performance in winter months heating and artificial lighting are beneficial.
Tips on releasing:
• Do not use residual pesticides for 4 weeks prior to release. Some pesticides remain toxic on plants for several months.
• Introduce Encarsia at the very first sign of whitefly. Alternatively start releases when planting out at inoculative rates on a weekly basis.
• Introduce parasites weekly for at least 8 weeks or until 80% parasitism is noted.
• If necessary adjust lighting and temperature to favour Encarsia development

Volumes

1,000