Abstract
The greenhouse whitefly Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Westwood) is one the most important insect pests in horticultural, ornamental and fruit crops. An adequate management as the use of threshold levels, specific and rational application of insecticides is essential. Several trials were carried out in the Sumapaz region, in Colombia, since 1987 against T. vaporariorum, key pest of snap beans (Phaseolus vulgaris). These trials demostrated the powerful insecticide action of Imidacloprid (NTN 33893). Imidacloprid, a novel subtance with a different action and mechanism related to the chloronicotinic nitroguanidines compounds, was used as a seed dressing (Imidacloprid WS 70) and showed interesting degree of protection until 35 days, afterwards was completed by sprays with foliar applications (Imidacloprid SC 350). Other alternative was the granulated formulation (Imidacloprid GR 5) which was spread on the row at planting; this treatment showed an interesting degree of protection until 55 days. The start of the foliar application depended on the threshold leveles established by ICA-CIAT. The preparation can be used in a broad range of agriculturally important crops, furthermore it has a different biochemical target, high systemic action, low toxicity and is effective against sucking insects such as T. vaporariorum; important characteristics within an Integrated Pest Management Program.
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