Biological control of Bemisia tabaci using predators and parasitoids

Bemisia tabaci is an extremely polyphagous pest that causes direct damage and can act as a vector of viral plant diseases. The activity of natural enemies can be exploited by employing proper conservation and augmentation techniques. In addition to use of extant fauna, importation of parasitoids belonging to the genera Encarsia and/or Eretmocerus and of various predators has been successfully employed in greenhouses and out of doors. Biological control practice in greenhouses differs greatly in warmer climates, where interchanges of the pest and its enemies with the outdoor environment are possible, than in cold countries where the crop is more isolated. Recent successes in the biological control of Trialeurodes raporariorum and B. tabaci in greenhouses and out of doors lead the way to a better understanding of the types of studies necessary for implementing future programs. Although certain natural enemy species have proven effective components in B. tabaci control, there are still unexplored, potentially valuable species in many areas of the world. This paper reviews the identity and biological attributes of known natural enemies, summarizes the studies conducted on them during the last decade. reviews current efforts in biological control of B. tabaci in greenhouse and field crops, and highlights research gaps and directions deserving further development. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.