Enermix Parasitic Wasp

Scientific name: Eretmocerus eremicus, Encarsia formosa.

1. Eretmocerus eremicus is a species parasitic wasp of the genus Eretmocerus that parasitise immature whiteflies. These beneficial wasps lay eggs on or under second stage whitefly nymphs, hatched wasp larvae develop inside the whitefly host, consuming its innards and eventually the adult wasp emerges by chewing its way out of the annihilated whitefly. The female wasp also predates on younger whitefly larvae by probing them with its ovipositor and feed on the hemolymph.
2. Encarsia formosa is one of the first parasitoid wasp species to be used commercially for biological pest control. The Chalcid wasp is a well known biocontrol agent of at least 15 whitefly species including  Bemisia tabaci (silverleaf whitefly, sweet potato whitefly or cotton whitefly) and Aleyrodes proletella (cabbage whitefly) that are currently important agricultural pests globally.
   Female Encarsia formosa parasitic wasps deposit 50 to 100 eggs individually inside the bodies of nymphs or pupae of the host species. The wasp larvae develop at optimum temperatures and wasp pupation occurs within the whitefly body.
   Parasitized pest hosts are easily distinguished from unparasitized host pupae. Greenhouse whitefly pupae turn black in about 10 days, while parasitized sweet potato whiteflies turn amber brown. 
   In some countries Encarsia formosa is the primary biological control agent used to control greenhouse whiteflies, particularly on crops such as tomato which is a difficult plant for predators to establish themselves on.
   

Use for:

• For the control of whitefly, particularly greenhouse whitefly (Trialeurodes vaporariorum) and Tobacco whitefly (Bemisia tabaci).
  
• Primarily used on indoor greenhouse crops.
• Can be used preventively or at first signs of pest presence.
• Can be used at fluctuating temperatures.

• Enermix is best to be used in combination with generalist predatory mites (Amblyseius andersoni, Amblyseius swirskii, Neoseiulus cucumeris or Amblydromalus limonicus) or, in tomato, with predatory mirid bugs (Macrolophus pygmaeus or Nesidiocoris tenuis).

Mode of action:

Adult female parasitic wasps parasitize second to fourth stage larvae of the whitefly. Host feeding also takes place.
Visually, Trialeurodes vaporariorum pupae parasitized by Encarsia formosa turn black, Bemisia tabaci pupae become brownish. Whitefly pupae parasitized by Eretmocerus eremicus turn yellow, the adult parasitoid wasp can be seen clearly within the parasitized whitefly pupae shortly before it emerges.

Product specifications:

Application:

• Open package carefully inside the greenhouse.
• Bend and tear off the strips opposite to the mounting hole.
• Make sure not to touch the pupae during handling.
• Suspend the cards in the crop, if possible approximately 75 cm under the plant head.
• Avoid to hang cards at places exposed to direct sunlight.
  
  Dosage:
  

The dosage of Enermix depends on climate, crop and whitefly density and should always be adjusted to the particular situation. Start introduction preventively soon after planting of the crop. Introduction rates typically range from 1 to 10 per m²/release. Releases should be repeated at least 3 times at weekly intervals or until control is achieved. Depending on the specific situation, it may be better to switch to the use of different parasitic wasp species, especially considering temperature.

Environmental conditions:

• Encarsia formosa is most effective at temperatures between 20°C and 25°C / 68°F and 77°F. At a 24 hours average temperature below 17°C / 63°F the control of whiteflies may be insufficient.
•  For optimal performance of Eretmocerus eremicus the 24 hour average greenhouse temperature needs to be at least 20°C / 68°F. Eretmocerus eremicus is still active at temperatures above 30°C / 86°F.

Storage:

• Apply as soon as possible after receipt. If necessary, the product can be stored for 1 to 2 days.
• Store at temperatures of 8°C to 10°C / 47°F to 50°F.
• Store in the dark.

Caution:

• Pesticides can have direct or indirect effects on biological solutions.
• Only use products that are permitted in your country or state and crop.