Effect of nine species of entomopathogenic nematodes on sweetpotato whitefly Bemisia tabaci under laboratory conditions

The sweetpotato whitefly Bemisia tabaci is a major insect pest in vegetable crops worldwide. The insect creates extensive damage by direct feeding on plants, secreting honeydew, causing plant disorders, and transmitting plant viruses. In general, B. tabaci management relies mainly on the utilization of chemical insecticides. However, B. tabaci has evolved considerable resistance to insecticides from most chemical classes. Therefore, alternative plant protection strategies are warranted, such as biological control using entomopathogenic nematodes. In this study, nine species of entomopathogenic nematodes (Heterorhabditis bacteriophora, H. indica, H. georgiana, H. floridensis, Steinernema feltiae, S. carpocapsae, S. riobrave, S. glaseri, and S. rarum) will be evaluated for virulence and efficacy against the second nymphal instar B. tabaci in tomato under laboratory conditions. Three species of entomopathogenic nematodes with high levels of virulence will be chosen for future experiments in greenhouses. This study will provide practical information regarding good candidates of entomopathogenic nematodes for B. tabaci control.