title: Effects of UV-absorbing plastic films on greenhouse whitefly (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae).
abstract: Studies were conducted to investigate the effects of ultraviolet (UV)-absorbing plastic films on the orientation and distribution behavior of the greenhouse whitefly, Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Westwood). In field experiments, small tunnels were constructed and covered with either an UV-transmitting (Thermilux) or UV-absorbing (K-Rose) plastic film. Results show that significantly more whiteflies were recorded in the tunnels with high compared with those with low UV intensities. Moreover, whitefly penetration and dispersion were less inside the UV-deficient tunnels. These results suggest that the type of plastic film used for greenhouse covers may have a significant influence on both the initial immigration and distribution of T. vaporariorum into greenhouses. The possibilities of using UV-absorbing plastic films for whitefly integrated pest management in greenhouses are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Horticulture, Herrenhauser Strasse 2, University of Hannover, D 30419, Hannover, Germany.
authors.forename: Urbanus N
authors.initials: UN
authors.lastname: Mutwiwa
authors.forename: Christian
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Borgemeister
authors.forename: Burkhard
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: von Elsner
authors.forename: Hans-Juergen
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Tantau
mesh_terms: D000383:Agriculture / Q000379:methods; D000818:Animals; D003252:Construction Materials; D004780:Environment, Controlled; D006430:Hemiptera / Q000502:physiology*; D007300:Insect Control / Q000379:methods*; D008027:Light; D010969:Plastics; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays
chemical_list: D010969:Plastics