Tomato Whitefly insect Management

Whitefly, a significant pest of tomato crops Tomato Whitefly-Bemisia tabaci Life cycle· 

Females lay up to 150 eggs each attached to the underside of younger leaves. Eggs hatch in eight to ten days. 

·Eggs hatch into a first instar nymphal stage that has legs and antennae and is mobile; travels a short distance before settling to feed on plant tissue. 

·There are four nymphal stages. The second and third instar nymphs are stationary and remain attached to the leaf surface, and have a scale-like appearance. They continue feeding until developing into the fourth and final nymphal stage. 

·The fourth nymphal instar, often called the pupa or the red-eyed nymph, is the easiest to identify. ·The active adult whitefly is largely responsible for virus spread from plant to plant. It takes 18 to 28 days from egg to adult in warm weather and 30 to 48 days in winter. 

Damage causing stages: 

Second and third instar larval stages that feed on the leaves and suck sap. 

·Adults that suck juices and transmit the virus ·The Tomato yellow leaf curl virus can be efficiently transmitted during the adult stages. This virus transmission has a short acquisition access period of 15-20 minutes, and latent period of 8-24  hours.

Tomato whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) is a major pest that can cause severe damage to tomato crops by transmitting viral diseases and feeding on plant sap. Effective management requires an integrated approach, including chemical control with specific insecticides. Below are some highly effective insecticides along with their recommended doses:

Effective Insecticides & Doses for Whitefly Management in Tomato

Neonicotinoids

1. Imidacloprid 17.8% SL – 0.3-0.5 ml per liter of water

2. Thiamethoxam 25% WG – 0.25 g per liter of water

3. Acetamiprid 20% SP – 0.2 g per liter of water

Pyridinecarboxamides

4. Flonicamid 50% WG – 0.3 g per liter of water

Insect Growth Regulators (IGRs)

5. Buprofezin 25% SC – 1.25 ml per liter of water

6. Pyriproxyfen 10% EC – 1.0 ml per liter of water

Other Effective Insecticides

7. Spiromesifen 22.9% SC – 1.0 ml per liter of water

8. Pymetrozine 50% WG – 0.6 g per liter of water

9. Diafenthiuron 50% WP – 0.6 g per liter of water

10. Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC + Thiamethoxam 18.5% WG – 0.4 g per liter of water

Application Guidelines

• Rotate insecticides to prevent resistance development.
• Use a combination of systemic and contact insecticides for better control.
• Spray in the early morning or late evening to avoid rapid evaporation.
• Use surfactants/stickers to enhance insecticide effectiveness.
• Avoid excessive use of neonicotinoids to prevent resistance in whitefly populations.

Would you li ke recommendations on biological control options as well?

Effective Strategies for Managing Whiteflies on Tomato Plants

Whiteflies are a common pest that can severely impact tomato crops if left uncontrolled. Effective management requires an integrated approach combining cultural practices, biological controls, and, if necessary, targeted insecticide applications. Here’s a breakdown of the best strategies to keep whiteflies at bay:

1. Cultural Control

A. Sanitation

• Remove crop residues and weeds promptly to eliminate potential whitefly breeding grounds.

B. Spacing

• Plant tomatoes at least one-half mile upwind from other whitefly host plants like melons, cole crops, and cotton.

C. Timing

• Delay planting new crops as long as possible and avoid planting near infested crops.

D. Variety Selection

• Use Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus (TYLCV)-tolerant tomato cultivars where available.

E. Host-Free Periods

• Allow sufficient time between harvests and subsequent plantings of whitefly host crops to break the pest’s life cycle.

F. Protected Structures

• Consider growing tomatoes under greenhouses or poly-tunnels to reduce whitefly infestations.

2. Biological Control

A. Natural Enemies

• Introduce or encourage beneficial predators like predatory mites, lacewings, ladybugs, and parasitic wasps to keep whitefly populations in check.

B. Entomopathogenic Fungi

• Utilize fungi such as Beauveria bassiana or Paecilomyces fumosoroseus to target and control whiteflies biologically.

C. Yellow Sticky Traps

• Deploy yellow sticky traps to monitor and capture adult whiteflies, reducing their numbers before they can reproduce.

3. Chemical Control (Use as a Last Resort and with Caution)

A. Insecticidal Soap

• Apply insecticidal soap, focusing on the undersides of leaves, to smother both larvae and adult whiteflies.

B. Neem Oil

• Use neem oil as a natural insecticide, following label instructions carefully to prevent plant damage.

C. Systemic Insecticides

• If necessary, apply systemic insecticides like imidacloprid to the soil, ensuring adherence to label guidelines to minimize harm to beneficial insects.

D. Contact Insecticides

• Use contact insecticides such as permethrin but be mindful of their potential impact on pollinators and other beneficial insects.

E. Pesticide Rotation

1. Rotate between contact and systemic pesticides to prevent resistance development.

F. Protective Measures

• Always wear protective clothing when handling pesticides and strictly follow label instructions to ensure safety.

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Father of entomology

 Answer:- William Kirby

William Kirby is father of entomology in England also called

William Kirby was a prominent English clergyman, entomologist, and author of the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

His contributions spanned various fields, from religious studies to natural history. Kirby's life was marked by his dedication to both the church and the scientific community, making him a notable figure of his time.

Born on September 19, 1759, in Witnesham, Suffolk, England, Kirby showed early signs of intellectual curiosity. 

He attended school at Ipswich and later studied at Caius College, Cambridge. 

His interest in the natural world grew during his time at the university, where he began studying insects, a passion that would shape his future career.

In 1780, Kirby took holy orders and became a clergyman in the Church of England. 

He served as a curate in various parishes, including Barham and Badingham, and eventually became rector of Barham.

 Throughout his clerical duties, Kirby maintained his interest in natural history, especially entomology.

Kirby's most significant contribution to the scientific community was his work in entomology. 

In collaboration with fellow naturalist William Spence, he co-authored the monumental work "An Introduction to Entomology: Or Elements of the Natural History of Insects.

" This multi-volume work, published between 1815 and 1826, aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of insects' natural history, classification, and behaviors. 

It remains an important historical resource in the field of entomology.

Beyond his scientific pursuits, Kirby was an accomplished author. 

He wrote extensively on religious and philosophical topics, often connecting his scientific observations with his theological beliefs. 

His work "On the Power, Wisdom and Goodness of God, as Manifested in the Creation of Animals and in Their History, Habits, and Instincts" exemplifies his ability to bridge the gap between science and spirituality. 

In this work, he explored the intricacies of the natural world while emphasizing the divine order underlying it.

Kirby's dedication to both the church and science was well-respected, earning him recognition among his contemporaries.

He was a founding member of the Entomological Society of London, established in 1833, and he remained an active contributor to the society's activities.

His work laid the groundwork for future generations of entomologists and scientists interested in the study of insects.

In addition to his academic achievements, Kirby's personal qualities were also noteworthy. He was known for his kindness, humility, and approachability, traits that endeared him to those around him. He had a genuine interest in educating others and sharing his knowledge, which contributed to his legacy as a respected scholar.

William Kirby's legacy continues to influence the fields of entomology, natural history, and the integration of science and theology. 

His ability to bridge these diverse areas of knowledge showcased his unique perspective and commitment to exploring the natural world through multiple lenses.

His works remain valuable resources for researchers and enthusiasts interested in the history of entomology and the intersection of science and faith.

In conclusion, 

William Kirby's biography is a testament to his multifaceted contributions to the realms of science, religion, and literature. 

His pioneering work in entomology, his ability to synthesize scientific and spiritual perspectives, and his dedication to both the church and the natural world mark him as a significant figure in history. Kirby's legacy continues to inspire those who seek to understand the complexities of the world around us and the connections that bind science and faith.

Father of entomology in India 

 Ans :- Shridhar Pradhan. He was born in 1904 in the state of Madhya Pradesh,

PhD in entomology from the University of London.

He worked at IARI (Imperial Agricultural Research Institute ) in Pusa, Bihar. 

Dr. Pradhan's work had a major impact on the agricultural sector in India