Commercialization of a New Strain of Encarsia Formosa for Silverleaf Whitefly Control

The proposed research investigates the potential of commercializing a new strain of E. formosa on silverleaf whitefly for marketing to greenhouse growers. USDA-APHIS-PPQ (MBCL) has been rearing the new strain on silverleaf whitefly since 1992. HGI has been culturing this strain of E. formosa on silverleaf whitefly since 1997. Data collected to date indicates this parasitoid strain is effective against silverleaf whitefly, and fills a void in the market.Research will focus on five integral steps. Objective 1 - Test the efficacy of three different delivery methods for removed E. formosa pupae. Objective 2 - Experimentally determine dispersal distances of E. formosa adults from trial delivery methods. Objective 3 - Test the emergence rates of adult E. formosa emerging from trial delivery methods. Objective 4 - Design, construct, and implement an automated machine to package removed E. formosa pupae on delivery cards. Objective 5 - Design, construct, and implement an automated machine to extract E. formosa pupae from host leaves.