Eretmocerus eremicus

This entomophage belongs to the family Aphelinidae, the order Hymenoptera. The main source of food for Eretmocerus eremicus is the tobacco and the glasshouse whitefly (Bemicia tabaci and Trialeurodes vaporariorum). In nature the species inhabits the desert regions of Arizona and California. The species is resistant to the high temperatures of air.

The body of an adult female is pale-yellow with green eyes and small antennae. The male is bigger (about 8 mm), yellow-brown. Eretmoserus eremicus (like Encarsia formosa) is a parasitic wasp. The main source of food for it is various species of whiteflies. Eretmoserus is able to infest any larva stage of pest ontogenesis but prefers the second and the beginning of the third stage of individual pest development. Eretmoserus eremicus lays its eggs in larvae of the whitefly. In 3 days the semitransparent eggs become brown. The larva stage of the entomophage includes 3 periods (about 12 days). After 2 weeks of parasitism pupae become yellow. To leave the body of a host-insect Eretmoserus makes small round holes in the affected puparium of the whitefly like Encarsia. The adult individuals feed on the sugary excretions of pests. The whole life cycle takes 17–20 days dependently on temperatures and the availability of food source. During life the female lays about 3–5 eggs per day.

Eretmocerus eremicus Eretmocerus eremicus Eretmocerus eremicus

Application

The application of Eretmoserus eremicus is effective together with Encarsia formosa against whiteflies for the defense of such crops as the cucumber, the tomato and the eggplant. There is information about the high degree of the productivity of this entomophage application on ornamental-flower crops (for example gerbera). Invasions are realized in amounts of 0.5–20 individuals per 1 m2 dependently on the terms of appearance and the intensity of pest development. Preventive (prophylactic) invasions are the most effective.

High resistance to low relative air humidity and high temperature allows the entomophage to be used effectively in hot, dry conditions (summer period). The optimum hydrothermal conditions for the development of the entomophage are a temperature of 25–29°C, and a relative air humidity of about 60% and less. It is possible the application of loyal chemicals.

Advantages

  • Eretmoserus eremicus is more resistant to the influence of synthetic pesticides than Encarsia formosa;
  • Eretmoserus eremicus is resistant to high temperature and low air humidity;
  • it is able to control the development of whiteflies of the genus Trialeurodes and Bemisia;
  • it is easy recognized under monitoring owing to the bright-yellow coloration of pupae.

Storage and transportation

  • keep out of direct sunlight;
  • transport and store at 5–10°C;
  • apply immediately or within 18 hours since the moment of reception.