ARS | Publication request: Q-BIOTYPE WHITEFLY UPDATE

Submitted to: Ornamental Outlook
Publication Type: Popular Publication
Publication Acceptance Date: May 1, 2006
Publication Date: July 3, 2006
Citation: Ludwig, S., Ellsworth, P. 2006. Q-biotype whitefly update. Ornamental Outlook. 15(7):36-38.

Technical Abstract: There is a new version of an old pest that is now appearing in ornamental production facilities. In 2005, a new biotype of the sweetpotato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci was identified by a team of scientists from the Universities of California and Arizona. A population of whiteflies was collected from poinsettias at a retail nursery and identified as being Q-biotype. This population was found to have reduced susceptibility to pyriproxyfen, acetamiprid, buprofezin, imidacloprid, and thiamethoxam relative to U.S. populations of our existing biotype of sweetpotato whitefly (B-biotype, which is also sometimes referred to as the silverleaf whitefly. As of March 2006, the Q-biotype whitefly had been found in 21 states. Integrated management is the key to keeping this pest managed. Researchers in California, New York, and Georgia evaluated insecticides against the Q-biotype whiteflies in 2005 and found many products provide greater than 70% control, and should be used in a rotation program to assist in the prevention of insecticide resistance. A ¿Management Program for Whiteflies on Propagated Ornamentals with an Emphasis on the Q-biotype¿ and related information can be found at www.mrec.ifas.ufl.edu/LSO/bemisia/bemisia.htm. Take measures now to prevent the establishment of this new biotype in your production areas. Review all aspects of your whitefly IPM program. Use the proper monitoring techniques, application methods, choice of insecticides, etc., and rotate modes of action. If you notice that whitefly populations are not responding to properly applied insecticide treatments, be ready to modify your management program. Insects that do not respond may be B-biotype whiteflies that are developing resistance, or they may be Q-biotype.