Effect of Neoseiulus cucumeris Release on Vertical Distribution and Population of Bemisia tabaci in a Greenhouse Test

The commercially available predatory mites, Neoseiulus cucumeris, were released along with pesticide spray to control Bemisia tabaci on eggplants in a greenhouse test. The experimentation was designed to compare the effect of the two pest control methods on the vertical distribution and population of B. tabaci. The results showed that an aggregated distribution of the whitefly population in the middle and at the bottom parts of the eggplant plants was observed when the chemical control method was applied, but an evenly dispersed insect distribution was seen when the biocontrol was implemented. Pesticide could only control the whitefly nymphs and adults at the top part of the eggplants. On the other hand, N. cucumeris would apparently attack the insects throughout the entire plant, especially the adults in the area near the bottom part of the plant. The result could be taken as another reason to promote the biological, instead of chemical, pest control measures in agricultural practices.