Control of insect vectors and plant viruses in protected crops by novel pyrethroid‐treated nets
2015
Dáder, Beatriz | Legarrea, Saioa | Moreno, Aránzazu | Plaza, Maria | Carmo‐Sousa, Michele | Amor, Fermín | Viñuela, Elisa | Fereres, Alberto
BACKGROUND: Long‐lasting insecticide‐treated nets (LLITNs) constitute a novel alternative that combines physical and chemical tactics to prevent insect access and the spread of insect‐transmitted plant viruses in protected enclosures. This approach is based on a slow‐release insecticide‐treated net with large hole sizes that allow improved ventilation of greenhouses. The efficacy of a wide range of LLITNs was tested under laboratory conditions against Myzus persicae, Aphis gossypii and Bemisia tabaci. Two nets were selected for field tests under a high insect infestation pressure in the presence of plants infected with Cucumber mosaic virus and Cucurbit aphid‐borne yellows virus. The efficacy of Aphidius colemani, a parasitoid commonly used for biological control of aphids, was studied in parallel field experiments. RESULTS: LLITNs produced high mortality of aphids, although their efficacy decreased over time with sun exposure. Certain nets excluded whiteflies under laboratory conditions; however, they failed in the field. Nets effectively blocked the invasion of aphids and reduced the incidence of viruses in the field. The parasitoid A. colemani was compatible with LLITNs. CONCLUSION: LLITNs of appropriate mesh size can become a very valuable tool in combination with biocontrol agents for additional protection against insect vectors of plant viruses under IPM programmes. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
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