Eretline Eretmocerus eremicus

  • Eretline image
  • Eretline image
  • Eretline image
  • Eretline image
  • Eretline image
  • Eretline image

Eretline biological control agent contains the hymenopterous parasitic wasp, Eretmocerus eremicus. It attacks whitefly by host feeding on younger larval stages and parasitizing the second larval stage of greenhouse whitefly, Trialeurodes vaporariorum, and silverleaf/sweetpotato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci.

Key Features

  • Performs well in warmer climates and in fluctuating temperatures and is likely to last all season long.
  • Available in innovative blister packs for improved emergence and establishment.
  • Excellent host-finding behavior.

Main uses

  • Greenhouse whitefly
  • Sweet potato whitefly

How It Works

  • Eretmocerus eremicus females search for second instar larvae of Bemisia or Trialeurodes. Upon finding a suitable host, they lay an egg between the host and leaf surface. The resulting larva parasitizes the whitefly host larva.
  • Host feeds and controls large numbers of whitefly larva.
  • Prefers warm temperatures. Optimum temperature range is 25-29°C / 77-84°F.
  • Eretline should be used wherever Bemisia is present. Since it can also be used to control greenhouse whitefly, it is useful in mixed populations.

Available delivery systems

  • Blister packs - containing 5,000 or 10,000 pupae in total, as 20 blisters each blister producing a minimum of 250 or 500 adult. Blister packs make product clearly visible and allow the grower to judge quality and emergence more easily.
  • Or Hanging cards - Parasitized scales attached to cards.
    • Each card will produce a minimum of 50 female wasps.
    • Parasite pupae are protected in the card recess.
    • Cards available in quantities of 200 per case.

Handling & Storage

  • Use at low doses to prevent whitefly establishment.
  • Use a selective insecticide to clean up existing populations.
  • If there is a risk of virus transmission to plants from invading Bemisia adults, it may be preferable to use an insecticide and follow up later with Eretline releases.

Instructions for Blister Pack use

  • Open the box in the greenhouse.
  • Remove sheet of blister packs from the envelope, and separate along perforations.
  • Bend the card forward slightly at the top of the blister, and pull the tab up.
  • Hang opened blister onto leaf petioles within crop, so it is in a shaded position.
  • For advice on recommended release rates, consult The Bioline App.

Instructions for Card use

  • Open the box in the greenhouse.
  • Separate individual cards by tearing strips along perforations.
  • Always handle cards by the tops. This prevents damage to Eretmocerus in the card recess circle.
  • For advice on recommended release rates, consult The Bioline App.

Storage and transport

  • If not using immediately, keep in outer box in a cool place (5-10°C / 41-50°F).
  • Use within 18 hours of receipt.
  • Keep out of direct sunlight.