Can D. hesperus populations on mullein banker plants suppress whitefly populations in commercial greenhouse tomatoes?
Mullein plants, with a diameter of 20-25 cm and planted in 20-cm pots or hanging baskets, were placed in the greenhouses during the last week of January, 2002, approximately 1-2 weeks after the tomato transplants were planted on rockwool slabs. The initial number of mullein plants was 21 per 1000 m2 in both operations. All mullein plants were initially located in one area for convenience of care for both the plants and the predatory bugs. All mullein plants were watered via the drip irrigation system provided for the tomato crop. At both operations, release of D. hesperus (supplied by Biobest Canada Inc.) onto the mullein plants began on January 28 and continued weekly until the end of February to provide a total of 1.3 bugs/m2. Ephestia eggs were provided as a protein source for the predatory bugs until late June. Observations of all mullein plants for adult and nymphal D. hesperus began on February 7 in both operations, and continued weekly until the end of July. Release of Encarsia
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