Influence of Meteorological Parameters on Population of Whitefly, Bemisia tabaci on Greenhouse-grown Tomatoes

Abstract

Whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius)) are important vectors of diseases of tomato crop production. Outbreaks of whiteflies can cause decreased productivity and transmit pathogens. The purposes of this study were to compare the degree of white fly infestation in two varieties of tomatoes, Shiny Queen and Ninmanee, and to investigate whitefly population responses to weather-related environmental parameters. The study was conducted in a green house. Whitefly population was counted every two days on three positions of the plant; the upper part, middle part and lower part. The results indicated that the Shiny Queen variety was infected with significantly higher numbers of white fly than was the Ninmanee variety. Whitefly numbers observed on Shiny Queen variety were significantly related to temperature, relative humidity, solar radiation and dew point. A mathematical model was developed to predict the relationship of environmental conditions to white fly population.