Efficacy of Beauveria bassiana Preparation against Whitefly on Tomato

Abstract

To evaluate the effects of Beauveria bassiana preparations (Botani Gard^™) as control agents of whiteflies, two experiments were conducted on tomato. First, the tomatoes in a plastic house were sprayed with emulsifiable suspension formulation (ES) of the agent on May 19 and 26 and June 2 to control Trialeurodes vaporariorum. The temperature and relative humidity in the plastic house were moderate (daily average temperature: 19.6-21.7°C) and higher (daily average humidity: 78.1-84.7%), and the most effective control of the whitefly was obtained. Secondly, other tomatoes in a vinyl house were sprayed with wettable powder formulation (WP) on October 14, 21 and 28 to control Bemisia argentifolii that had been artificially introduced in the plants in advance. The whitefly was also effectively controlled in spite of the lower temperature and relative humidity. These results show that B. bassiana preparations are useful for the management of whiteflies attacking tomatoes.