Development of reduced risk control strategies for western flower thrips and silverleaf whitefly associated with chrysanthemum and poinsettia cuttings.

摘要

Anecdotal evidence suggests that the western flower thrips [Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande)] and the silverleaf whitefly (Bemisia argentifolli Belows & Perring) are introduced on imported chrysanthemum and poinsettia cuttings. This research evaluated immersion treatments of cuttings in hot water, insecticidal soap, horticultural oil, Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin and Steinernema feltiae (Filipjev) for the control of western flower thrips or silverleaf whitefly.;Moderately to highly efficacious immersion treatments in hot water, insecticidal soap, horticultural oil, Beauveria bassiana and Steinernema feltiae were identified for the control of western flower thrips. Highly efficacious immersion treatments in insecticidal soap and horticultural oil immersion treatments were identified for the control of SLW.;Moderate to highly efficacious immersion treatments identified in this study can be incorporated into a greenhouse floricultural pest management program to control WFT or SLW in chrysanthemum and poinsettia cuttings, with minimal harm to plant material and low potential impact on biological control agents.