Eretmocerus mundus is a small parasitic wasp that uses the whitefly species Bemesia tabaci as a host. This hymenopteran parasitoid is 1mm long with a head, thorax and abdomen of golden yellow. The males are usually darker than the females. Sexual dimorphism is marked by antenna form. Eretmocerus mundus is available in 2 product forms: in bottles of 3000 larvae with bran, or in blisters (20 per pack) with 150 larvae.
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Whitefly parasite
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Eretmocerus mundus has several life stages: egg, three larval instars, pupa and adult. The development time from egg to adult is about 14 days at 28ºC. Females survive for up to 2 weeks at temperatures from 20-25ºC. The females of this species explore leaves in search of the larvae of Bemesia tabaci and, once they have detected a suitable host by touching it with their antennae, insert an egg between the larvae and the surface of the leaf. The Eretmocerus mundus larvae that emerge from the egg enter the host and grow within it as the whitefly continues to feed. Once the larvae have developed, the whitefly dies. Females usually select second instar larvae of whitefly to parasitise, but may also choose other stages. Well-developed larvae can be seen within their hosts using a microscope. When the pupa reaches maturity it becomes dark orange or yellow and can then be observed. In addition to using whitefly larvae as hosts, female Eretmocerus mundus kill many whitefly larvae through feeding rather than parasitism. Approximately 40% of the pest mortality is due to this host-feeding behaviour.
Eretline m is recommended for use where Bemesia tabaci has been observed. Eretline m has been extremely effective; especially where very high temperatures are prevalent and other whitefly formulations have been unsuccessful.
The application rate is 10-12 individuals per square metre.
A minimum of 3 releases must be made, beginning with a small release in zones at greatest risk of pest damage.
Bottles: Immediately before use, place the bottle horizontally and rotate it smoothly to ensure the contents are well mixed. Open the bottle inside the greenhouse and scatter the contents directly onto the leaves of the crop.
Blister: Carefully separate the blisters. In the greenhouse, just before positioning each blister, carefully open the flap on the back, so that the hole is exposed. Hang directly in the crop as with other blister products.
If not using the product immediately, keep in a cool, shaded area.
Use within 18 hours of receipt.
Do not expose to direct sunlight.
Laboratory studies have shown Eretline m to combine well with the use of Chess®, Applaud® and Actara® when used in irrigation in ICM programmes. Wait for at least 4 weeks after the application of Actellic®, Guardian® or Karate King® before releasing Eretline m. For more information please consult your distributor or the Syngenta Bioline technical department.
Syngenta Bioline Ltd
Telstar Nursery, Holland Road
Little Clacton, Essex CO16 9QG, England
Tel +44 (0) 1255 863 200
Fax +44 (0) 1255 863 206
