DEVELOPMENT OF A LABORATORY REARING SYSTEM FOR WHITEFLY AS A HOST FOR ENCARSIA FORMOSA

Abstract

The article presents the technology for effective laboratory rearing of whiteflies (Aleyrodidae), particularly Bemisia tabaci Genn., and investigates their biological characteristics. During the study, optimal microclimatic conditions were maintained to ensure stable development of the whitefly population, including a temperature of 25±2°C, relative humidity of 60-70%, and a 16:8 h photoperiod regime. Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), cucumber (Cucumis sativus), and tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) plants were used as host plants. The formation of the whitefly population, larval developmental stages, survival rate, and population density dynamics were analyzed. The results demonstrated that stable microclimatic conditions, high-quality host plants, and strict sanitary-hygienic control make it possible to obtain high-density whitefly populations within a short period under laboratory conditions. In addition, a biological basis was established for the development of the parasitoid entomophagous insect Encarsia formosa, and morphological changes in parasitized larvae were observed.