Whiteflies are among the most challenging greenhouse pests, feeding on plant sap and transmitting viruses that can severely weaken crops. Chemical control is often limited due to their rapid reproduction and hidden nymph stages.
EncaLiv (E. formosa), a tiny parasitic wasp, provides growers with a highly effective biological solution. Adult females parasitize the third and fourth larval stages of whiteflies and host feed on second-stage larvae for additional control. Highly host-specific, EncaLiv (E. formosa) can parasitize over 27 whitefly species without disturbing other beneficial insects. Adults are excellent at locating whitefly hotspots, even when populations are low.
Life Cycle and Parasitic Role:
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Egg Stage: Eggs are laid inside whitefly larvae.
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Larval Stage: Larvae develop inside the host, feeding on its internal contents.
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Pupal Stage: Pupation occurs within the whitefly nymph; parasitized Trialeurodes vaporariorum pupae turn black, while Bemisia tabaci pupae turn brown.
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Adult Stage: Adults emerge ready to parasitize more whiteflies. Adults are about 1 mm long, black with a yellow abdomen. Females lay up to 5 eggs per day, with an average lifespan of 12 days.
Key Benefits
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Benefit |
Description |
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Targeted Whitefly Control |
Parasitizes multiple whitefly species without affecting other beneficials. |
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Active Host Location |
Adults can find whitefly hotspots even at low densities. |
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Sustained Control |
Continuous parasitism and host feeding help maintain long-term suppression. |
Application Guidelines
- Preventative Releases: 2–5 wasps/m² every 7–14 days starting shortly after sowing.
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Curative Releases: 10 wasps/m² weekly until infestations are under control.
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Release Method: Fold and tear release strips carefully without touching the pupae. Hang cards ~75 cm below plant tops in shaded, dry areas. Apply immediately after receipt.
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Storage: Can be stored up to 1 day at 10 °C.
Optimal Conditions
- Temperature: Thrives at 20–25 °C, can develop at 12 °C. Development ranges from ~10 days at 30 °C to ~40 days at 18 °C.
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Humidity: Optimal ~60%; lower levels reduce parasitism.
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Notes: Activity decreases sharply below 18 °C.