Cross Commodity Management of Whiteflies and Chemical Efficacy in Arizona

Abstract

The Western Growers Association and Arizona Cotton Growers Association worked cooperatively with a group of University of Arizona scientists, Arizona Department of Agriculture officials and regional pest control advisors to develop general guidelines for managing whiteflies and specific recommendations for Applaud and Admire use. This was achieved by identifying differences in crop production, insecticide use, and whitefly population dynamics on key host crops within three distinct growing regions in Arizona. Data was compiled that when graphically illustrated identified important, multidimensional interactions within cropping systems. Based on the patterns resulting from our analysis, initial recommendations have been formulated to harmonize chemical use across commodities by restricting Applaud use to only once per crop season in use windows, with additional guidelines for reducing the possibility of exposing successive whitefly generations to the same mode of action. The diversification and limitation of Admire and other active ingredients, and the employment of cultural practices are also be considered. Should this model of cooperation be successful, valuable and scarce modes of action may also be shared in the future within diverse, integrated use systems.