Lethal and sublethal effects of insecticides on whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius)-A review

Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) is widely distributed polyphagous pest, found in tropical, subtropical and temperate regions. The overall impact of whitefly has been very devastating with yield losses ranging from 20 to 100 percent, depending upon the crop, season and prevalence of the whitefly. Although excessive and injudicious use of insecticides have led to increase in resistance level of white fly but still insecticides are considered as important tool for control of this pest. The bioefficacy of emerging chemicals including insect growth regulators and neonicotinoids against whitefly has been evaluated in different studies. These studies have reported both lethal and sub lethal effects of various insecticides on white fly. The insecticides alter physiological mechanisms in whitefly leading to pronounced changes in physiological system, affecting the reproduction andoverall development. These bioassayscould behelpful in enlisting various new chemicalsthat would be helpful in management of this pest.