ASH WHITEFLY

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR USE

For Control of Ash Whitefly

Provides effective control of ash whitefly nymphs and adults.

Labeled uses include both ornamental and fruiting trees and shrubs.

Best control material for use in urban landscapes and agricultural crops.

Low in toxicity to mammals and the environment.

Allows introduction of beneficial insects following application.

No pre-harvest interval.

GENERAL INFORMATION

M-Pede insecticide is an effective contact insecticide-miticide labeled for use on a wide variety of ornamental and greenhouse plants, fruits, vegetables and field crops. With a formulation based on potassium salts of naturally derived fatty acids, M-Pede effectively controls many soft-bodied insects, but is low in toxicity to mammals and the environment.

Mode of Action: M-Pede effectively controls small soft-bodied pests. It acts on contact, penetrates the pest's body, breaks down cell membranes and causes rapid death of the target mite or insect.

 PEST                     RATE OF M-PEDE     RATE OF OIL     SPRAY SOLUTION       
Ash whitefly (nymphs,        2 gallons      2 to 3 quarts   100 gallons of water  
adults)                                                                           

STEPS FOR SUCCESSFUL RESULTS

1. For best results, apply 2 gallons of M-Pede and 2 quarts of oil per 100 gallons of water immediately after detecting a whitefly infestation. Full coverage of upper and lower leaf surfaces is essential.

2. Five to seven days later, make a second application of M-Pede, and repeat single applications as necessary if ash whitefly reappears.

3. Certain species of trees, shrubs and bedding plants may be sensitive to applications of M-Pede and spray oils. Refer to the product label for specific listings and precautions.

USE GUIDELINES

Application Timing/Coverage: For best results, apply M-Pede immediately after detecting a whitefly infestation to avoid the spread of the pest. M-Pede must come into direct contact with the whitefly adults and nymphs. Because it is a contact insecticide, do not use

M-Pede as a preventative control measure. Full coverage of upper and lower leaf surfaces is essential. For best results, spray in the early morning or late evening when temperatures are below 80 F to avoid evaporation.

Emulsified Oils/Enhanced Control: M-Pede works on contact; once it dries, it is no longer effective. Products that act as humectants, like emulsified vegetable or petroleum oils labeled for summer application may enhance control. When using an emulsified oil, always pre-mix directly with M-Pede before transferring to the spray tank. Apply an oil, such as SunSpray Ultra Fine Spray Oil, at 2 to 3 quarts per 100 gallons.

Tank Mixes: When M-Pede is properly applied it provides quick knockdown of labeled pests. It does not provide residual control. However, a 1% solution of M-Pede may be tank mixed with certain companion pesticides that offer enhanced or residual control of ash whitefly (see TIP #1037: "Enhanced Activity"). If the companion product is targeted at a different pest, mix with a 2% solution of M-Pede. Always read the labels of each pesticide used in a tank mix combination and always adhere to the most stringent requirements listed among the labels.

Hard Water: Condition water prior to adding M-Pede if total water hardness exceeds 500 ppm (29 grains) when M-Pede is used at 2% or 250 ppm (14.5 grains) when M-Pede is used at 1% rates. Use a conditioning agent such as RNA's Tri-ad® 73, Miller Chemical's Spray-AideTM, or LatronTM AG-44MTM (Triton AG-44M) by Rohm and Haas. To determine if a compatibility agent is required, perform a jar test (see TIP sheet #1003).

TARGET PESTASH WHITEFLY

Ash Whitefly Damage: The ash whitefly, Siphoninus phillyreae, is a recent introduction to the U.S. from Europe and northern Africa. It is an urban pest that feeds on plant foliage by sucking moisture and nutrients from the vascular system of a wide range of crops and landscape trees and shrubs. As adults and nymphs of the ash whitefly feed, they excrete "honeydew," which promotes the growth of unsightly black sooty mold.

Ash Whitefly Host Range: The preferred hosts of ash whitefly include an assortment of ornamental and fruiting trees, including: Ash, Fraxinus spp.; pear, Pyrus calleryana; and pomegranate, Punica granatum. Ash whitefly feed and reproduce on a wide variety of secondary host plants when preferred hosts are not present.

Ash Whitefly Identification: Ash whitefly adults are small (1/16") white, winged insects found predominantly on the underside of host plant leaves where they feed, lay eggs and pass through four nymphal (wingless) instar stages. The fourth instar nymphs have ridges of dorsal siphon tubes that excrete white "wax." The wax appears as white ridges and can be seen with a magnifying lens.

Ash Whitefly Control: Because ash whitefly is an imported pest, predators and parasites that can provide or assist in its control are not naturally present. State departments of agriculture are actively working to provide these beneficial insects. Contact your local extension service office for more information.

Beneficial Insects: Predatory insects and parasites of ash whitefly can be safely released in areas treated with M-Pede and oil once the materials have completely dried.

Always read and carefully follow the product label recommendations and restrictions.

M-Pede is a trademark of Mycogen Corporation. Tri-ad is a registered trademark of RNA Corporation. Spray-Aide is a trademark of Miller Chemical & Fertilizer Corp. Latron and AG-44M are registered trademarks of Rohm and Haas. SunSpray® Ultra Fine Oil is a registered trademark of Sun Refining and Marketing Company. M-Pede EPA Reg. No. 53219-6 JJ#1015 6/93