Encarsia formosa, 60 X 100 cards ( Whitefly )

Biological control involves the use of living organisms to suppress pests on crops. Encarsia formosa is among the most efficient enemies of the whitefly. By deploying tiny parasitic wasps, growers can slash their whitefly populations without using chemical pesticides.

Product Overview

These packs come with parasitized scale cards of 60 or 100‑card packages. They hold Encarsia formosa pupae attached to a paper backing. Adult wasps escape and search for whitefly larvae when they are hung in the crop canopy. This option is reliable and easy to deploy.

Mode of Action

Encarsia formosa is a tiny wasp that parasitises whitefly larvae in the third and fourth larval stages. A female wasp finds a whitefly nymph and injects an egg into it. The wasp larva grows within the whitefly, which will eventually die and become a black pupal “scale.” Upon completing pupation, the adult wasp chews its way out to continue the cycle.

Crop Compatibility

For greenhouse and protected‑culture use, Encarsia formosa is effective. It can be used in ornamentals, tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and other solanaceous and cucurbit crops. The cards are effective in both hydroponic, soil‑based, and mixed media systems.

Application Guidelines

Here is a step‑by‑step guide for how to do that.

1. Timing: Place cards when whitefly adults are first seen or during field scouting of the early whitefly nymph stages.
2. Placement: Space cards evenly, typically one card per 1–2m² of canopy. Position the cards midway in the canopy for maximum wasp dispersion.
3. Frequency: Change cards every 4–6 weeks or more frequently as emergence diminishes. Increase rate if pest pressure increases or crop stage progresses.
4. Monitoring: Monitor for whitefly and parasitism (black scales) on leaves. Pull cards tighter with higher whitefly populations.

Storage and Handling

Encarsia formosa cards should be held at 46–54°F and 70–80% relative humidity. Do not freeze or expose to temperatures above 59°F. Consume each pack shortly after receiving. Handle cards carefully, as rough handling may destroy pupae.

Integration with Other Controls

Here’s the advice on integrating biological control with other IPM strategies:

• Cultural Controls: Clean sanitary conditions, remove heavily infested leaves, and direct irrigation for reduced whitefly hotspots.
• Compatible Biocontrols: It can be used alongside predators like Macrolophus caliginosus and Delphastus catalinae, as well as fungal agents (e.g., Beauveria bassiana) if carefully timed.
• Selective Insecticides: Use insecticides only when necessary, select products that have minimal effects on parasitoids (e.g., insect growth regulators), and apply them when wasps are less active.

Environmental and Safety Profile

Encarsia formosa is specific to whitefly. Therefore, it is harmless to beneficial insects and biodiversity.When used as directed, it is completely non-toxic to humans, pets, and wildlife. When harvested, produce contains no chemical residues, so it is perfect for organic or IPM programs.

Performance Expectations

Gener­ally, the whitefly nymph population is decreased in 2 to 3 weeks following a release. Peak wasp emergence occurs in the first 10–14 days, with continued pressure through week six.  Two or three releases at two-week intervals may be required for heavier infestations to achieve control.

FAQs

How many cards are needed per greenhouse?

For an average greenhouse (1,000 m²), 500–1,000 cards per release will be needed, depending on pest pressure.

Can the wasps survive outside?

Encarsia formosa likes more sheltered conditions. Outside, survival is reduced by the wide temperature range and unstable humidity.

Will the wasps attack other pests?

No. They are very host specific to whitefly larvae, and will not parasitize other insect species.

Conclusion

These parasitized cards provide a low-maintenance, environmentally friendly way to combat whiteflies. When this parasitic wasp is incorporated into a comprehensive program, growers have healthy crops, reduced input expenses, and enhanced sustainability.