Hardworking Generalist Predators That Do A Big Job On A Wide Variety Of Insects!
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Encarsia formosa whitefly parasites target Greenhouse Whitefly (Trialeurodes vaporariorum) and provide limited control of Sweet Potato Whitefly (Bemisia tabaci). Encarsia formosa is not recommended for control of other species of whitefly. They are shipped as developing pupae on hanging tabs. Encarsia formosa can be used in conjunction with other beneficial predators and parasites including Green Lacewing, Delphastus catalinae and/or Eretmocerus eremicus. See our Whitefly Control page for alternative beneficial insects and control options.
Release Encarsia formosa prior to or at the first sign of whitefly infestation. When used preventatively in an Integrated Pest Management program, Encarsia formosa can greatly reduce labor and control costs due to their relatively low cost and their mode of action. Combine whitefly parasite releases with green lacewing and biorational controls, like Beauveria bassiana, for consistent monitoring and continued control.
NOTE: Remove yellow sticky traps from the area before releasing E. formosa.
Appearance: Adult female Encarsia formosa are black with a yellow abdomen, transluscent wings and measure approximately 0.6 mm. Males are present in much lower numbers than females and are darker in color.
Life Cycle: Adult Encarsia formosa emerge from their pupae over a period of 1-2 weeks. They actively lay eggs in 2nd-4th instar (nymph) stages of whiteflies from which Encarsia formosa larvae hatch out. The parasitoid larvae feed on developing whiteflies for around three weeks until reaching adulthood, when they emerge to lay more eggs (oviposit) in hosts. They can live for up to one month as adults and lay up to 200 eggs in that period. Parasitized whitefly pupae turn black or brown and emergence holes are evident under magnification.
Optimal Conditions: Encarsia formosa do best in temperatures of 68° – 77°F and relative humidity
Save with a Weekly Encarsia formosa Program - Receive 1,000 or 3,000 Encarsia eggs every week for 3 to 12 weeks. A minimum of 3 shipments is required for the program. Set the quantity to the number of shipments you would like to receive. For specific shipment dates, please specify those dates in the Special Instructions/Comments box during checkout.
This Product Controls These Pests or Diseases: Greenhouse Whitefly (Trialeurodes vaporariorum), Sweet Potato Whitefly (Bemisia tabaci)
Instructions
Release Encarsia at the first sign of whitefly by hanging individual cards on plant foliage. Release rates vary depending upon crop, infestation severity and season of the year. Please note that parasitism rates can be affected by high trichome densities, excessive honeydew, decreasing temperature and low barometric pressure.
For Prevention: Use 500-1,000/15,000 sq. ft. weekly.
For Low Infestations: (less than 1 adult whitefly per 50-100 plants) release 1,000-2,000 / 5,000-10,000 sq. ft. for a minimum of 3 weeks or until control is achieved.
For Higher Infestations: Use 3,000 / 3,500 sq. ft. for a minimum of 3 weeks or until control is achieved. Weekly Ship Programs also available
General Applications: Separate individual cards by tearing strips along perforations. To prevent damage to Encarsia, avoid touching circle where parasites are contained.
Tomato Applications: Hang cards in a shady position among crop foliage around the third cluster from the top of the plant. Distribute cards uniformly throughout crop. One card per 4 plants weekly for 8-10 weeks.
Cucumber Applications: Hang cards 1-1.5 feet from the top of the plant. Distribute cards uniformly throughout crop. One card per 2 plants weekly for 8-10 weeks.
Greenhouse Ornamentals: Place or hang cards in a shady position level with lower leaves. Avoid contact with growing media. Two cards per plant weekly for 8-12 weeks.
Tips For Release:
- Suspend the cards below plant tops and out of direct sunlight.
- Cards can be put on stakes or hung from the edge of a pot.
- Do not touch the eggs or pupae.
- Place as close to whitefly populations as possible.
- Leave the cards in place for at least 10 days to allow all eggs to hatch.
Storage: Do not store cards. If incubating cards, release adult wasps immediately after emergence.
Free Shipping in the contiguous 48 states. Ships via 2nd Day Air Monday-Thursday.
Encarsia formosa pupae are shipped on cards that can be hung directly on the plants. Cards are shipped in strips of 5 and can be easily separated at the perforations for application to different plants/crops. Release immediately upon receipt.
Cannot Be Shipped To: HI
What's In The Package:
- 1,000 - 4 strips (20 cards)
- 3,000 - 12 strips (60 cards)
- 5,000 - 20 strips (100 cards)
Shelf Life: Use within 18 hours of receipt. Keep out of direct sunlight. Do not freeze or refrigerate after delivery.
