Examples

The use of the micro-parasitic wasps Encarsia formosa and Eretmocerus eremicus against whiteflies ( Bemisia tabaci and Trialeurodes vaporariorum ) of tomato under cover in Réunion

• Target: whitefly larvae (they turn yellow or black when parasitized).
• Mode of presentation of the auxiliaries: platelets containing the pupae of parasitized whiteflies from which emerge the parasitoid wasps.
• Storage of auxiliaries: in the dark between 4 and 10°C, do not store for more than one week because the rate of emergence of micro-wasps decreases rapidly.
• Mode of application: hang the plates on the plants by distributing them in the greenhouse, avoid exposure to direct light.
• Dose and frequency of application: the number of releases depends on the parasite pressure; in general, it takes at least 2 releases with at least 3 to 4 parasitized larvae per m2.
• Conditions of application: introduce auxiliaries as soon as possible after the observation of the infestation.
• Recommended combination with other means of protection:
  • visual traps (sticky yellow panels).
  • anti-insect nets with an adequate mesh.
  • good prophylaxis (defoliation of the base of the plants, maintenance of the greenhouse, etc.).
  • limited and localized phytosanitary treatments during the crop cycle, using products with little or no toxicity for auxiliaries.

Other examples

The micro-hymenoptera Aphidius colemani against the aphids Aphis gossypii on cucumber and pepper under shelter in Reunion, the predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis against the mite Tetranychus evansi of solanaceae in Reunion.