Comparative Field Evaluation of Temporal Suppression Patterns of Insecticides Against Bemisia Tabaci (Gennadius, 1889) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) in Cotton

Adnan Tusun

doi:10.24925/turjaf.v14i9.2446-2452.8862

Authors

Adnan Tusun Çukurova University, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Plant Protection, 01330, Adana, Türkiye https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4492-120X

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24925/turjaf.v14i9.2446-2452.8862

Keywords:

Bemisia tabaci , Cotton , Insecticides , Insecticide mode of action , Temporal efficacy

Abstract

The cotton whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), is one of the most destructive pests in Mediterranean cotton production systems, where intensive insecticide use has increased concerns regarding resistance development and reduced field efficacy. In southern Türkiye, particularly in the Adana region, cotton cultivation is characterized by a long growing season and multiple whitefly generations, resulting in frequent insecticide applications. Under such conditions, understanding not only the initial efficacy but also the temporal performance of insecticides is essential for sustainable management. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the field efficacy and time-dependent suppression patterns of four insecticides representing distinct IRAC modes of action acetamiprid (Group 4A), acetamiprid + pyriproxyfen (Groups 4A + 7C), cyantraniliprole + abamectin (Groups 28 + 6), and sulfoxaflor (Group 4C) against B. tabaci under commercial cotton production conditions. Field experiments were conducted during the 2024 growing season in four commercial cotton fields in Adana Province using a randomized complete block design with four replicates. Whitefly populations were assessed before application and at 3, 7, 10, and 14 days after treatment. Control efficacy was calculated using the Henderson–Tilton formula. All insecticide treatments significantly reduced whitefly densities compared with the untreated control. However, clear differences were observed among treatments in terms of initial knockdown effect and residual activity. Some insecticides provided rapid population suppression shortly after application but exhibited a decline in effectiveness over time, whereas others maintained more stable control throughout the evaluation period. These findings demonstrate that insecticides differ markedly in their temporal suppression profiles under field conditions. Incorporating information on both immediate and residual efficacy into rotation strategies may enhance resistance management and improve long-term sustainability of cotton production systems in Mediterranean environments.

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