The proposed research investigates the potential of mass rearing a new strain of E. formosa on silverleaf whitefly for commercial marketing to greenhouse growers. USDA-APHIS-PPQ Mission Biological Control Laboratory (MBCL) has been rearing the new strain on silverleaf whitefly since 1992. Hydro-Gardens is a privately owned company, with 13 employees that supplies products for greenhouse growers. Hydro-Gardens has received numerous request for this strain of E. formosa. Hydro-Gardens entered into agreement with MBCL to co-develop this parasitoid for commercial delivery. Hydro-Gardens has been culturing this strain of E. formosa on silverleaf whitefly since 1997. Data collected to date indicates this parasitoid strain is readily reared on and effective against silverleaf whitefly, and fills a void in the market. Research will focus on four integral steps. Objective 1 - test the suitability of four plant types for rearing both host whitefly and E. formosa. Objective 2 - test subject host plants for their compatibility in the parasitoid pupae removal process. Objective 3 - test various non-ionic surfactants ability to consistently separate parasitoid pupae in the pupae removal process, and improve on current methodologies. Objective 4 - experimentally determine optimum cold storage conditions for short-term storage of E. formosa pupae.
Anticipated Results/Potential Commercial Applications of Research: Currently, commercial production of E. formosa for control of whiteflies in greenhouses occurs only in Europe, and the available strains often prove uneffective against controlling the recently introduced silverleaf whitefly. The anticipated results of our research will solve production variables that currently stand in the way of commercializing this natural enemy, and ultimately lead to the culturing, mass rearing, and production for supply to the U.S. greenhouse industry. The final product of this preliminary and future research will provide greenhouse growers in the US, as part of an IPM program, an environmentally safe alternative for control of silverleaf whitefly.
