Encarsia formosa (whitefly control)

Encarsia formosa is a wasp parasite used to control greenhouse whitefly (Trialeurodes vaporariorum) and silverleaf whitefly (Bemisia argentifolii).

An average daily temperature of 23°C is required for good control of whitefly by Encarsia. At lower temperatures (<20°C) much higher release rates are required. Encarsia also performs best when there are more than 10 hours of daylight. To increase performance in winter months heating and artificial lighting are beneficial.

Tips on releasing:

• Do not use residual pesticides for 4 weeks prior to release. Some pesticides remain toxic on plants for several months.
• Start releases when planting out at preventative rates (1 wasp per m²) on a weekly basis. When whitefly are first detected increase release rate to 2-10 m².
• Introduce parasites weekly for at least 8 weeks or until 80% parasitism is noted.
• If necessary adjust lighting and temperature to favour Encarsia development.

Encarsia formosa Technical Sheet (160 kb)

Adult whitefly

Encarsia on card

Encarsia laying eggs