Whitefly Control (Greenhouse Whitefly)

Based on experience from the last 4 seasons, all orders for Encarsia include three releases, each a fortnight apart.

Prices

	Small Garden	Large Garden
Multiple Release	$70.00	$110.00

All prices include delivery& GST

The following information can be downloaded as a pdf: Greenhouse Whitefly Control

Greenhouse Whitefly Control is simple, cheap and effective with Bug Central.

Encarsia is a tiny parasitic wasp that attacks whitefly larvae. It is effective at controlling greenhouse whitely, as well as the poinsettia whitefly. Correct identification of the whitefly is important, as Encarsia is not effective against some other whitefly such as Ash Whitefly. Releases are best done when low numbers of whitefly larvae are noticed on the underside of leaves.

Encarsia work very well on a range of crops including tomatoes, vegetables and a wide range of ornamentals. They can be released both outdoors as well as in greenhouses. Encarsia work best when daytime temperatures are above 22oC and night temperatures are above 15oC.  Development stops below 13oC. Whilst they are most active in warmer regions, they can tolerate a wide range of climates including greenhouses.

The Product contains approximately 500 Encarsia (standard gardens) or 1000 Encarsia (large gardens). The product comes as 'cards' each containing 100 black parasitised whitefly scales. Small order is suitable for up to medium sized vegetable plots or home garden greenhouses, with the larger order required for large gardens or in situations with high pest pressure.

Encarsia works best with multiple releases, so the minimum order is for three releases delivered a fortnight apart (a single order includes all three deliveries). The order includes information on general whitefly control.

Releasing the Encarsia is as easy as placing the cards within the plants, releasing as close to the target pests as possible. Detailed information on the release method is included in the information booklet that will be emailed to you after placing your order.

Encarsia larvae will hatch over a few days after cards are placed into the crop, and adults will seek out whitefly larvae and lays eggs into them.  The Encarsia then develops over a period of 2 weeks inside the whitefly larvae, which turns black as it is parasitised.  In warmer weather development may take as little as 10 days, but up to 31 days in cooler weather.

Encarsia are best released when daytime temperatures are above 22°C, and night temperatures above 15°C.

To Order, simply choose the product option on our secure on-line order system. You will receive confirmation of your order within 3 working days. The product is delivered by Australia Post’s Express Post service, so delivery time is normally only 1 to 2 days from orders being processed.

Releasing high numbers of predators or parasites to coincide with this pest build up gives control before damage is evident. Control will be most effective if beneficials are released before high pest levels occur.

Detailed information is not available on the toxicity of all pesticides, but it is fair to say that many will kill your Encarsia!  Some fungicides will also cause disruption to natural enemies, andit is better to avoid products that do not specifically detail their effects on beneficials.

Products such as tomato dust often contain highly toxic insecticides like Carbaryl.  Such products will kill all beneficial insects and are to be avoided completely.

Encarsia wasps are tiny, and it is unlikely you will be able to see these after release.  The presence of black whitefly larvae is one indication the wasps are at work, but so is a lower level of whitefly infestation!

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) relies on a range of activities to manage pest levels.  IPM does not aim to totally eliminate pests, as this is neither natural nor desirable. IPM seeks to achieve a balance between all organisms in the garden.  A balance of pests as well as beneficial insects is the sign of a healthy garden. Releasing good bugs helps maintain this balance.  Using plants that encourage beneficial insects is also recommended.

If a pesticide does need to be applied due to a high level of pest activity, then select the product with the lowest toxicity possible. Releasing predators and parasites after such an application is important, allowing time for the pesticide to dissipate, and to help restore the natural balance.

Green lacewings are also an effective control agent for whitefly, as well as a range of other pests such as aphids.

 

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