Whitefly As Virus Vector

This insect plays a major role as vector of the Soybean Crinkle Leaf Virus and can cause considerable yield loss in soybean. While application of chemicals can effectively control the insect, this method is harmful to growers, consumers, and the environment. Therefore, integration of chemical use and neem products or bio-agent applications to control white fly was tested at the northern part of the country.

Use of Neem Compared with Chemical Treatments

Infestation of 10 white flies per 20 plants was observed at growth stages of V2-V5 and R2-R5 of soybean in the field experiment. Acetamiprid, imidacloprid, and triazophos were able to effectively control white fly, which resulted in an increase in yield from 111% to 131% compared to 53-65% with carbosulfan, ground neem, neem extract (Instar), neem extract (DOA), and Bt application. The use of non-chemical agents such as neem extract increased soybean yield up to 50% compared to the control, although the yield and net profit were less than those with chemical application. However, yields obtained from non-chemical plots were free of toxic residues, which is one of the major requirements for domestic consumption and export.

Download the PDF. of this document, 24,176 bytes (23.6 KB).