Co-Authors:
Weintraub, P.G., Department of Entomology, ARO, Gilat Experiment Station, D.N. Negev, 85280, Israel
Kami Horowitz, A., Department of Entomology, ARO, Gilat Experiment Station, D.N. Negev, 85280, Israel
Abstract:
The efficacy of a field vacuum unit for the management of Bemisia Inbnci was evaluated on melon (Ciiciunis inclo L.) during two summer seasons. The tractor-mounted unit was designed to dislodge insects by blowing air from lateral vents onto the plants while simultaneously vacuuming from above. Field observations, collection of leaf samples, and hand-vacuum sampling before and after the field vacuuming were used to evaluate the efficacy of removal. Bemisia tnbaci population reductions were significant (30-60%) and lasted from week to week when vacuumed weekly. Parasitoid populations were slightly affected, but were not significantly different from populations in the untreated control plot. Field vacuuming was found to be as effective as insecticide applications for the control of B. tabnci in melons. ©1999 ICIPE.