Although they are currently effectively controlled by chemicals, sweet potato whiteflies have the potential to once again be a dominant pest in Arizona vegetables. We need to explore alternatives such as biological control so that we are not reliant solely on pesticides. We have been examining dispersal by the whitefly parasitoid Eretmocerus sp. in order to find more effective ways to deploy these agents in the field. We have learned in the laboratory that these wasps are efficient flyers since they are capable of moving into strong winds for more than 30 min. We also now know that most flight takes place within a short distance of the release point. We also have a better understanding of differences between male and female flight. This, along with other information we have obtained, will lead to our ability to effectively release these and parasitoids of other insect pests as well.

A new insect management technology known as "particle film" technology (Surround) was evaluated for it potential for control early fall pests of head lettuce in Yuma, AZ. Surround did appear to slightly reduce larval population of cabbage looper, beet armyworm and Heliothis, but not enough to be considered a commercially effective treatment. Additionally, Surround appeared to antagonize Success’s activity towards cabbage loopers. Against whiteflies, Surround did appear to reduce ovipositioning, but resultant impact on the nymph population could not be adequately assessed. Overall, Surround does not appear to have good fit in the pest management system in leafy vegetables in Yuma, AZ.

An insect pest monitoring network spanning the major growing areas in Yuma was implemented in 1998-1999. This project was designed to measure the relative activity and movement of adult populations during the growing season and provide important information to growers and PCA’s. A series of pheromonebaited and yellow sticky traps were placed in 11 locations among the growing areas in the Yuma, Gila and Dome Valleys in Yuma county. Numbers of adults / trap /night were recorded weekly from September-April. Seasonal differences in insect species activity and abundance among locations were observed, but difficult to precisely explain because of the lack of historical trap data. Information gathered from the trapping network will provide historical baseline data for pest activity on an area wide basis from which relationships between insect trap captures and seasonal factors that influence their activity and abundance may be explained. The results of the monitoring network during the 1998-1999 growing season for is provided in this report.