Implementing diverse non-pesticidal approaches to control whitefly and whitefly-transmitted viruses in major vegetable crops of southern Georgia

Whiteflies are one of the most devastating insect pests of major vegetable production in Georgia since their growth and yield are severely affected by whitefly (adult and nymph) feeding and viruses transmitted by them, resulting in huge yield losses. Vector-virus complexes together contribute serious threats to vegetables. Therefore, managing whitefly populations is critical for improving vegetable production in Georgia. Previous studies revealed that the use of chemical insecticide treatments is economically expensive and has significant negative consequences for agroecosystems and growers’ health, with off-target impacts on other organisms. In addition, whiteflies can easily build up resistance to the insecticides and become ineffective in controlling their population.




Our vegetable entomology lab is focused on implementing a comprehensive non-pesticidal IPM approach by integrating host-plant resistance and organic treatments (e.g., kaolin clay particles, essential oils, and other plant-derived terpenes, etc.) to develop integrated whitefly management strategies (reducing feeding damage, virus infection, and oviposition, etc.) and improving plant growth and fruit yield, etc. Screening whiteflies across different cultivars is essential for identifying sources of natural resistance, evaluating the effectiveness of pest management strategies, and understanding pest pressure in both greenhouse and field environments. Similarly, a variety of organic insecticidal treatments can be used to effectively manage whitefly outbreaks by disrupting their life cycle and lessening the spread of viruses carried by whiteflies. Using these non-pesticidal treatments will provide both organic and conventional growers with more control options to protect their vegetable production against whiteflies.