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Wasp control: Using one insect to control another

Whitefly (Rugose spiralling) is found in many regions around the world. One of the worst hit areas is Florida. The fly carries many diseases and it is readily able to pass these from plant to plant. Last year, Digital Journal reported that Whitefly-transmitted plant viruses (such as Begomovirus) are part of an emerging and economically significant group of pathogens damaging important food and fiber crops.

The flies also cause damage by feeding. In urban communities, the flies also leave deposits and unwanted residues on most things that they land on: cars, shop fronts, street lights and so on.

In terms of a solution, a tiny wasp (Encarsia noyesi) seems to be the answer. Based on an agricultural trial carried out in the region of Homestead, the wasp can out-compete whitefly in areas of concern. The wasp goes for whitefly and kills it. And unlike its micro-sized insect cousin the wasp does not leave any problematic residue.

The new study has been carried out by an entomology team based at the University of Florida (Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.) The researchers hope that introducing the wasp population in problem areas will be a better solution than felling trees. Cutting down trees is a common practice in communities afflicted by whitefly, and this brings with it other ecological problems. The other solution practiced involves the use of pesticides, and the spraying of chemicals throughout communities can cause indiscriminate harm (such as affecting bee populations.) If a chemical approach needs to be considered, soap and water appears to be the most ‘environmentally friendly’ option.

The research group have reported on the wasp study in the journal Biological Control. The paper is titled “Host stage suitability and impact of Encarsia noyesi (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) on the invasive Rugose spiraling whitefly, Aleurodicus rugioperculatus (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), in Florida.”

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Written By

Dr. Tim Sandle is Digital Journal's Editor-at-Large for science news. Tim specializes in science, technology, environmental, business, and health journalism. He is additionally a practising microbiologist; and an author. He is also interested in history, politics and current affairs.

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