Eretmocerus mundus

This entomophage belongs to the family Aphelinidae, the order Hymenoptra. The original areal of Eretmocerus mundus is Southern Europe, Northern Africa and Near East.

Eretmoserus mundus is a parasitic wasp affecting some species of whiteflies. It is able to develop in any stage of a pest larva but prefers the second and the beginning of the third stages. The cycle of entomophage ontogenesis consists of the following stages: an egg, three larvae stages, a pupa and an adult individual. Eretmoserus mundus lays its eggs in the body of the pest larva. After 3 days the egg becomes brown. Life cycle takes about 14 days in dependence on temperature. In the winter Eretmocerus mundus slows down development. For example in unheated greenhouses its development can take more than 1 month until full completion. In 2 weeks after infestation the larva of the pest swells, becomes nitidous and assumes later a golden-yellow color. Having been formed the adult wasp punctures a cocoon, makes a round hole and flies out. The female during its life is able to lay about 50 eggs. The life span of the adult wasp is 14–20 days. The outward of E. mundus resembles the outward of E. eremicus. The distinction is in the anatomy constitution of the body of an adult insect and can be defined by means of a microscope.

Eretmocerus mundus Eretmocerus mundus Eretmocerus mundus

Application

The application of Eretmocerus mundus is effective together with Encarsia formosa for the control of whiteflies on such crops as cucumbers, tomatoes, eggplants. There is information about the high effectiveness of this entomophage application on ornamental-flower crops (for example gerbera). E. mundus is recommended for the control of some biotypes of whiteflies. This parasitic wasp is adapted very much to hot and dry climatic conditions. The wasp is actively applied in the defense of crops against pests in summer when temperature is high and in winter when it declines. It makes E. mundus the most suitable entomopage for the pest control of early-ripe crops. The rate of entomophage application is 10–12 individuals per 1 m2. If necessary the additional invasions are made.

Advantages

  • the stable activity of the entomophage under high temperatures;
  • intensive activity in winter;
  • the control of several biotypes of the pest;
  • resistance to synthetic chemicals;
  • important component for the complex defense of crops against whiteflies;
  • the decrease of pest number occurs as a result of endoparasitism and in direct feeding process.

Storage and transportation

  • keep out of direct sunlight;
  • use shady and cool conditions for short-term storage;
  • apply within 18 hours since the moment of reception.