Introduction

This method is suitable for use with commercial formulations of insecticides and can be used on nymphs and eggs if the active is ovicidal.

Method

1. Host plant leaves are removed using scissors to until three fully expanded leaves remain (selected leaves should be of approximate same age). Each of these leaves is trimmed into a small rectangle 4 x 6cm approximately) and the plants placed within the holding cage.

2. Using aspirator adult whiteflies are collected and added at a rate of approximately 50-70 insects per leaf. The adult whiteflies are left for 24 hours to allow time for egg lay after which all the adults are removed.

   The timing of the insecticide application depends on whether the target for the study is the nymph stage or the egg stage (See table 1 for details)

   Table 1: Time periods from adult removal until dipping

   • B. tabaci eggs – 1 day
   • T. vaporariorum eggs – 1 day
   • B. tabaci larvae – 9 days
   • T. vaporariorum larvae – 11 days

3. The required serial dilutions of insecticide solution are prepared in water using formulated insecticides (use of additional wetter is not recommended unless necessary). Approximately 100ml of insecticide solution is required for each solution. Water is used as a control solution

4. A single host plant is used for each concentration, with each of the three infested leaves counting as three replicates. Each infested leaf is independently fully emerged in the insecticide solution for a period of 20 seconds.

5. The potted host plants are returned to the holding cages and left for a further period until assessment (See table 2), assessments are based on specific criteria dependant on whether assessing larvicidal or ovicidal activity (see table 3 below). Holding cages are stored at 20^oC, 60% relative humidity and 16:8 hour lighting regime.

   TABLE 2: Minimum time periods from adult removal until assessment*

   • B. tabaci eggs – 10 days
   • T. vaporariorum eggs – 12 days
   • B. tabaci larvae – 16 days
   • T. vaporariorum larvae – 20 days

   *Timing may vary depending on whitefly biotype and development rate in different environmental conditions.

   TABLE 3: Assessment criteria

   • For larvicides, number of 2^nd stage larvae (dead) and number of developing late-stage larvae (alive) are evaluated on the underside of the leaf to provide percentage mortality, which should be corrected for control mortality using Abbot’s formula.
   • For ovicides, total number of eggs and hatched larvae (alive) are evaluated on the underside of the leaf to provide percentage mortality, which should be corrected for control mortality using Abbot’s formula.

Precautions & Notes

1. If large numbers of eggs or nymphs (> 200) are present on the 4x6cm leaf square due to over infestation, randomly choose a smaller section of the leaf square for evaluation.
2. Where glass equipment is used it must be adequately cleaned with an appropriate organic solvent before re-use to prevent cross-contamination.
3. When handling chemicals and solvents, it is recommended appropriate protective equipment such as protective gloves; clothes and protective eye wear are worn.

Comments

A table of example data for results from susceptible collected Bemisia tabaci nymphs can be found by downloading a pdf copy of Method No: 016.