Research on the efficacy of the yellow sticky boards to control the cabbage whitefly (Aleyrodes proletella L., Aleyrodidae) on Brussels sprouts

Abstract

In the 2000-2001 period three different methods to control the cabbage whitefly (Aleyrodes proletella L.) were tested: the efficacy of the chosen biotechnical method to reduce the number of the pest to a less harmful level was compared to treatments with two different insecticides. In the field block experiment on Brussels sprouts the efficacy of imidacloprid (systemic insecticide), pirimiphos-methyl (contact insecticide) and the yellow sticky boards for mass trapping were tested. All results were compared with non-treated plots. Spraying with contact insecticide was established as the most effective way of controlling the pest in question (A. proletella L.). Comparing other treatments, no statistically significant differences were determined. Therefore, our hypothesis about efficacy of the yellow sticky boards to control the cabbage whitefly on the cultivated Brassica plants cannot be confirmed. On the basis of the results of the average number of the whitefly larvae on randomly chosen leaves and the average yield per plant we conclude that the usage of insecticides or other methods for controlling the cabbage whitefly is not reasonable in the growing seasons when the yield of Brussels sprouts is not satisfactory.