Four entomologists and one agronomist got together on Friday July 7 in the Plant Sciences meeting room to review progress in research on the ecology and management of the silverleaf whitefly.

This is a particularly persistent insect pest that is hosted by numerous plant species, including many of economic importance such as cotton, tomato, zucchini and sweet pepper.

The research forms the backbone of a PhD thesis underway for Sohail Qureshi, of the Plant Sciences Group.

Dr Suva Subramaniam of DPI&F Bowen, and Dr Richard Sequeira of DPIF Emerald, both eminent experts on whitefly, met with Mr Qureshi and his other co-supervisors from CQU, Professor David Midmore, the agronomist, and Dr Bob Newby, another entomologist.

Our understanding of the seasonal dynamics of silverleaf whitefly populations, on farms that use insecticides and on farms that do not (certified organic producers), is helping to piece together a management strategy for silverleaf whitefly.

Simply covering crops with fine-spun netting reduces the populations considerably, with improved weight and quality of zucchini.

For further information contact Sohail Qureshi on 07 4930 9419.

Photo (above) l to r Dr Suva Subramaniam, Dr Richard Sequeira, Professor David Midmore and Dr Bob Newby.

Photo (below) l to r Photo (above) l to r Dr Richard Sequeira, Professor David Midmore, Dr Bob Newby and Sohail Qureshi.