Status ofBemisia tabaciin the Mediterranean Countries: Opportunities for Biological Control

Outbreaks ofBemisia tabacialong the Mediterranean began about 20 years ago. They occur on cotton and vegetables and often cause severe damage. Such outbreaks are typified by initial high populations that later decrease, while natural enemies apparently become important controlling factors. Both predators and parasitoids attack the pest, but the significance of any one factor in controllingB. tabaciis unclear. It is important to integrate the pest management systems of various crops with the preservation of their natural enemies. Information is sparse regarding the relative toxicity of pesticides to the natural enemies and in regard to the exact methodology to be used forB. tabacimanagement, especially in vegetable crops. Additional natural enemies ofB. tabacishould be introduced, and both new and existing ones should be preserved in the nonagricultural environment as well as in the particular crop systems. Experiments should be conducted to establish the role of different natural enemies and their susceptibility and relationships to existing pest control practices.