1999 Annual Report

1. What major problem or issue is being resolved and how are you resolving it?
The Giant Whitefly (Aleurodicus dugesii) is an exotic pest (probably of Mexican origin) that first appeared in California in San Diego County in 1992. It attacks a number of ornamental and crop species by sucking sap from the leaves. High populations can result in cosmetic damage from the honeydew residues and associated sooty mold as well as the physiological damage from the sap sucking. Pesticides have proven to be ineffective, partly due to the waxy substance secreted by the nymphs. Therefore, biological control appears to offer the best hope for control of this pest.

2. How serious is the problem? Why does it matter?
Since its detection in San Diego County in 1992, the Giant Whitefly has increased its range greatly and it now infests most of coastal southern California from the Mexican border to San Luis Obispo County. In addition to the cosmetic and aesthetic damage that it can do to established ornamental plantings in homes, businesses, and public places, the Giant Whitefly threatens California's $2 billion-plus Nursery/Foliage industry. The threat is particularly acute to small growers whose nursery operations are confined to infested areas. It is also possible that this pest could spread into agricultural areas and devastate crop plantings in the future.

3. How serious is the problem? Why does it matter?
This project is under the auspices of National Program 301: Plant, Microbial, and Insect Germplasm Conservation and Development (100%).

4. What was your most significant accomplishment this past year?
This project was initiated this year, with an effective date of June 01, 1999. Therefore, there are no significant accomplishments to report at this time.

5. Describe your major accomplishments over the life of the project, including their predicted or actual impact?
As this is a new project, the answer is the same as for Question 4.

6. What do you expect to accomplish during the next year?
During the next three years, two potential biological control agents will be investigated for control of the Giant Whitefly. These natural enemies of the Giant Whitefly are parasitic wasps (Idioporus affinis and Encarsiella noyesi) which are native to the Giant Whitefly's presumed area of origin in Mexico. The ontogeny, ethology, and other aspects of these parasitoids' biology relevant to control of the Giant Whitefly will be evaluated. The potential of these parasitoids for control of the Giant Whitefly will be investigated through field evaluation trials.

7. What technologies have been transferred and to whom? When is the technology likely to become available to the end user (industry, farmer other scientist)? What are the constraints, if known, to the adoption durability of the technology?
As this is a new project, there are not yet any technology transfers to document. It is anticipated that the end result will be to make available to other researchers, pest control operators, and other concerned members of the public the bio-control methodology (release times, rates, etc) for use of these two parasitoids to control the Giant Whitefly. Possible constraints are climatic limitations, etc.

Project Team

Krueger, Robert Thomas Bellows - Professor Of Entomology/entomologist 909-787-4399

Project Annual Reports

FY 2003   FY 2002   FY 2001   FY 2000   FY 1999

Related National Programs

Plant, Microbial & Insect Genetic Res., Genomics, & Genetic Improv. I (301)