Helga Blanco-Metzler

Factors affecting the biological control of the spiralling whitefly Aleurodicus dispersus (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) in banana plantations in Costa Rica: a study case

ABSTRACT A study was conducted to reveal the causes for Aleurodicus dispersus outbreak in commercial banana plantations in Costa Rica. Biotic and abiotic factors affecting the abundance of the spiralling whitefly were determined. Four nymph parasitoids and nine predators were found to affect A. dispersus population. Seventeen families of host plants for A. dispersus in the banana area were identified, allowing the whitefly to reach a high reproductive and dispersal rate and pest status in short periods. The use of nematicides during the dry season was the key factor for mortality of natural enemies responsible for maintaining pest populations under economic levels.