USING SEMIOCHEMICALS, TRAP CROP AND VISUAL CUES IN A PUSH-PULL STRATEGY TO CONTROL WHITEFLY IN CUCURBITS AND TOMATOES

Objective 1: Evaluate preference of whiteflies to different eggplant varieties.An efficient trap crop system should have a higher pest attraction capacity than the cash crop during its vulnerable stage with an easy management strategy. Therefore, the first objective of this proposal is to evaluate preference of whiteflies toward different varieties of eggplants available in Florida. As part of this objective, we will investigate whitefly preference for each eggplant variety, as well as the reflectance and leaf volatiles produced by each variety.Objective 2: Transmission and back-transmission of viruses affecting cucurbits from squash to alternative plant hosts.While transmission of TYLCV to alternate host is well described in the literature (Legarrea et al. 2020), little is known regarding the transmission and back-transmission of CuLCrV, CYSDV, CCYV or SqVYV to alternate hosts. CuLCrV, CYSDV, CCYV or SqVYV have a narrow host range and most likely will not infect eggplant in the nightshade family; nevertheless, needs to be investigated using transmission and back transmission assays.Objective 3: Field trial application regarding the combined used of trap crops, reflective mulch, and repellents in vegetable crops.Field trials are planned in three locations in GA, and FL and will provide good insight into the additive or synergic effects of the trap crop, reflective mulch and LSK. These field trials will be conducted in squash and tomato in organic and conventional setups. ?