Integrated pest management of dipteran pests in the New World

Although the screwworm eradication program, so successful at ridding much of North America from this pest, was not called an IPM program as such when first initiated, it nevertheless met the current definition of such a program. Considering the enormous success and the unbelievable numbers of insects reared for sterile release, this eradication program is one of the most outstanding entomological feats in history.Similar programs for other livestock pests are not yet assured of the same success. Hypoderma eradication may become a definite reality provided in vitro rearing methods can be developed to provide large numbers of sterile males. This development would not only indicate another possible international control effort but could also provide impetus for a Dermatobia hominis control program in the subtropics of Mexico, Central America and South America.The cost/benefit analysis of a number of the major pests needs to be completed to determine if their control is beneficial to the health of the host or provides a profitable return on the producer's investment. Greater knowledge of the pest biology-ecology, including dispersion, migration, rate of population increases, and behaviour is needed. Pest population models used to simulate the effect of weather, host density and pest density on outbreak situations need to be developed. Insecticide resistance in insect populations now needs to be considered in these models. Even sampling procedures are inadequate for most pests.Also, alternative methods to insecticide control are needed for many of the dipterous pests. Some pests cannot be controlled with current delivery systems. For instance, flies of the family Tabanidae cannot be controlled because of lack of information on their biology-ecology; also, methods of chemical application to effect their control are not available.Much effort has been made to control the dipterous and myiasis-causing pests in the new world. For the most part, chemicals have been effective, and until recently, resistance has not been a problem. Although control has been satisfactory for most pests, the implementation of IPM programs against some pests could make control more permanent and cost effective. Many parts of an IPM program are available for use but need to be put together in a control system and validated. Only after a system has been shown to be cost effective can the technology be transferred to the producer. A few pests of the New World can be controlled within the concept of IPM, but by and large, operational programs remain something to be achieved.     

Reevaluating the conceptual framework for applied research on host‐plant resistance

Applied research on host‐plant resistance to arthropod pests has been guided over the past 60 years by a framework originally developed by Reginald Painter in his 1951 book, Insect Resistance in Crop Plants. Painter divided the “phenomena” of resistance into three “mechanisms,” nonpreference (later renamed antixenosis), antibiosis, and tolerance. The weaknesses of this framework are discussed. In particular, this trichotomous framework does not encompass all known mechanisms of resistance, and the antixenosis and antibiosis categories are ambiguous and inseparable in practice. These features have perhaps led to a simplistic approach to understanding arthropod resistance in crop plants. A dichotomous scheme is proposed as a replacement, with a major division between resistance (plant traits that limit injury to the plant) and tolerance (plant traits that reduce amount of yield loss per unit injury), and the resistance category subdivided into constitutive/inducible and direct/indirect subcategories. The most important benefits of adopting this dichotomous scheme are to more closely align the basic and applied literatures on plant resistance and to encourage a more mechanistic approach to studying plant resistance in crop plants. A more mechanistic approach will be needed to develop novel approaches for integrating plant resistance into pest management programs.     

An eco-metabolomic study of host plant resistance to Western flower thrips in cultivated,biofortified and wild carrots

Domestication of plants and selection for agronomic traits may reduce plant secondary defence metabolites relative to their ancestors. Carrot (Daucus carota L.) is an economically important vegetable. Recently, carrot was developed as a functional food with additional health-promoting functions. Biofortified carrots contain increased concentrations of chlorogenic acid as an antioxidant. Chlorogenic acid is involved in host plant resistance to Western Flower Thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis), one of the key agri- and horticultural pests worldwide. The objective of this study was to investigate quantitative host plant resistance to thrips in carrot and to identify candidate compounds for constitutive resistance. As such we explored whether cultivated carrot is more vulnerable to herbivore attack compared to wild carrot. We subjected a set of 14 biofortified, cultivated and wild carrot genotypes to thrips infestation. We compared morphological traits and leaf metabolic profiles of the three most resistant and susceptible carrots using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR). In contrast to our expectation, wild carrots were not more resistant to thrips than cultivated ones. The most thrips resistant carrot was the cultivar Ingot which is known to be tolerant against carrot root fly (Psila rosae). Biofortified carrots were not resistant to thrips. Plant size, leaf area and number of leaf hairs did not differ between resistant and susceptible carrots. The metabolic profiles of the leaves of resistant carrots were significantly different from those of susceptible carrots. The leaves of resistant carrots contained higher amounts of the flavanoid luteolin, the phenylpropanoid sinapic acid and the amino acid β-alanine. The negative effect of these compounds on thrips was confirmed using in-vitro bioassays. Our results have potential implications for carrot breeders. The natural variation of metabolites present in cultivated carrots can be used for improvement of thrips resistance. This is especially promising in view of the candidate compounds we identified since they do not only confer a negative effect on thrips but as antioxidants also play an important role in the improvement of human health.     

Efficacy of some medicinal plant extracts and essential oils against Colorado potato beetle,Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

The Colorado potato beetle (CPB), Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say is one of the most important defoliator pests of potato in the world and it often causes extremely large potato yield losses. Potatoes are the preferred hosts for the pest, but it may feed and reproduce on a number of other plants in the Solanaceae family. Public concern related to pesticides and their residues in and on the foods had prompted a rise of consumer interest in organically produced foods. There have been growing efforts to detect and introduce suitable plant compounds that they have insecticidal properties. However, discovering of plant extracts for possible use in control of this pest requires more studying about plant extracts and compounds. Since resistance of CPB to common chemical insecticides is well documented and potato is one of the most prominent nutritious food products for many people in many countries, we examined the effect of essential oils (EOs) of European pennyroyal, lavander, mint, oregano and savory and methanolic extracts of fumitory, licorice and oregano on the pest. These plants were selected because they have medicinal properties and they are safe to human and environment. Adult CPBs were exposed to mentioned plant extracts and essential oils. LC₅₀ values for EOs of lavander and European pennyroyal were 4154 and 3561 ppm, respectively. The results demonstrated that essential oil of European pennyroyal (Mentha longifolia) would be suitable compound to control the pest, but essential oil of mint (Mentha spicata) was not effective against the pest. Also it is notable that at all treatments, the amount of adult feeding was very low.     

Trichomes of Lycopersicon species and their hybrids: effects on pests and natural enemies

1 The cultivated tomato, Lycopersicon esculentum, is an economically important worldwide crop. Current pest management techniques rely heavily on pesticides but trichome‐based host‐plant resistance may reduce pesticide use. 2 A review of the literature is provided on trichomes of wild Lycopersicon species and the effects of trichome‐based host‐plant resistance on arthropods. Solvents have been used to remove glandular trichome exudates and the resulting dimminution of their effects quantified. Correlational approaches to assess the relationship between the different trichome types and effects on pests have also been used. 3 Most studies have focused on Lepidoptera and Hemiptera, although some work has included Coleoptera, Diptera and Acarina, and both antibiotic and antixenotic effects have been demonstrated. 4 Natural enemies are a cornerstone of international pest management and this review discusses how the compatibility of this approach with trichome‐based host‐plant resistance is uncertain because of the reported negative effects of trichomes on one dipteran, one hemipteran and several Hymenoptera. 5 For trichome‐based host‐plant resistance to be utilized as a pest management tool, trichomes of wild species need to be introgressed into the cultivated tomato. Hybrids between the cultivated tomato and the wild species Lycopersicon hirsutum f. glabratum, Lycopersicon pennellii and Lycopersicon cheesmanii f. minor have been produced and useful levels of resistance to Acarina, Diptera and Hemiptera pests have been exhibited, although these effects may be tempered by effects on natural enemies. 6 This review proposes that studies on genetic links between fruit quality and resistance, field studies to determine the compatibility of natural enemies and trichome‐based host‐plant resistance, and a strong focus on L. cheesmanii f. minor, are all priorities for further research that will help realize the potential of this natural defence mechanism in pest management.     

Conservation biological control and IPM practices in Brassica vegetable crops in China

Brassicas are major vegetable crops in China but the systems for growing the crops are complex. During the last 30 years, the area of vegetable crops has increased steadily, however, the control of insect pests on brassica vegetables has largely relied on the heavy use of chemical insecticides, resulting in high levels of resistance, insecticide residues hazardous to human health and other serious consequences. Nevertheless, efforts to develop practical and sustainable integrated pest management (IPM) strategies for brassica vegetables have been implemented. Here we first review the work on surveys of natural enemies of insect pests in brassicas and describe the biology and ecology of a few important parasitoids. We then introduce the progress of conservation biological control by reviewing studies on evaluation of natural enemies and selective insecticides, the work on the development of action thresholds and some successful examples of IPM field trials at the cropping system level. The successful examples of IPM practices in brassicas show the great potential of conservation biological control to reduce chemical pesticide input and improve vegetable production in the future.     

Trichomes of Lycopersicon species and their hybrids: effects on pests and natural enemies

1 The cultivated tomato, Lycopersicon esculentum, is an economically important worldwide crop. Current pest management techniques rely heavily on pesticides but trichome‐based host‐plant resistance may reduce pesticide use. 2 A review of the literature is provided on trichomes of wild Lycopersicon species and the effects of trichome‐based host‐plant resistance on arthropods. Solvents have been used to remove glandular trichome exudates and the resulting dimminution of their effects quantified. Correlational approaches to assess the relationship between the different trichome types and effects on pests have also been used. 3 Most studies have focused on Lepidoptera and Hemiptera, although some work has included Coleoptera, Diptera and Acarina, and both antibiotic and antixenotic effects have been demonstrated. 4 Natural enemies are a cornerstone of international pest management and this review discusses how the compatibility of this approach with trichome‐based host‐plant resistance is uncertain because of the reported negative effects of trichomes on one dipteran, one hemipteran and several Hymenoptera. 5 For trichome‐based host‐plant resistance to be utilized as a pest management tool, trichomes of wild species need to be introgressed into the cultivated tomato. Hybrids between the cultivated tomato and the wild species Lycopersicon hirsutum f. glabratum, Lycopersicon pennellii and Lycopersicon cheesmanii f. minor have been produced and useful levels of resistance to Acarina, Diptera and Hemiptera pests have been exhibited, although these effects may be tempered by effects on natural enemies. 6 This review proposes that studies on genetic links between fruit quality and resistance, field studies to determine the compatibility of natural enemies and trichome‐based host‐plant resistance, and a strong focus on L. cheesmanii f. minor, are all priorities for further research that will help realize the potential of this natural defence mechanism in pest management.     

Effect of mechanical damage on emission of volatile organic compounds from plant leaves and implications for evaluation of host plant specificity of prospective biological control agents of weeds

Assessment of host plant specificity is a critical step in the evaluation of classical biological control agents of weeds which is necessary for avoiding possible damage to non-target plants. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by plants likely play an important role in determining which plants attract and are accepted by a prospective arthropod agent. However, current methods to evaluate host plant specificity usually rely on empirical choice and no-choice behavioural experiments, with little knowledge about what chemical or physical attributes are stimulating the insect. We conducted experiments to measure the quantitative and qualitative effects on emission of VOCs caused by simple mechanical damage to leaves of plants known to differ in suitability and attractiveness to a prospective agent. More VOCs were detected from damaged than from undamaged leaves for all three species tested. Discriminant analysis was able to correctly distinguish the taxonomic identity of all plants based on their VOC profiles; however, the VOCs that discriminated species among undamaged leaves were completely different from those that discriminated among damaged leaves. Thus, damaged and undamaged plants present different VOC profiles to insects, which should be considered when conducting host plant specificity experiments. An unacceptable non-target plant, Centaurea cineraria, emitted all except one of the VOCs that were emitted by its preferred host plant, Centaurea solstitialis, indicating the importance of compounds that are repellant in host plant specificity. Centaurea cyanus emitted fewer VOCs than C. solstitialis, which suggests that it lacked some VOCs important for host plant recognition.     

Transgenic-Bt potato plant resistance to the colorado potato beetle affect the aphid parasitoid Aphidius nigripes

Using the biotechnological plant resistance for herbivore control with less reliance on chemicals in integrated pest management (IPM) programs critically depends on predictable interactions with no-target organisms of various trophic levels. Plant resistance to insect pests based on recombinant Bacillus thuringiensis could interfere with natural enemies of non target pests. Performance of the potato aphid parasitoid Aphidius nigripes was studied on the 'Superior-BT line transgenic for the CryllIA toxin of B. thuringiensis, resistance to the Colorado potato beetle; and none transformed 'Superior' line which served as control. Parasitoid survival was significantly lower on the 'Superior-BT' line compared to control. Adult females were largest on 'Superior' and smallest on BT potatoes. This difference was reflected on parasitoid fecundity, which was lowest on 'Superior-BT', and highest on Superior. The results indicate that factor of potato resistance to the Colorado potato beetle affected the fitness of a parasitold of the aphid Macrosiphum euphorbiae, a secondary pest of potato. The effects on the parasitoid were complex but were generally interpretable in terms of host aphid quality variation among potato lines used as food by the aphids during parasitoid development.     

Synergizing biological control: Scope for sterile insect technique,induced plant defences and cultural techniques to enhance natural enemy impact

When used alone, only a minority of biological control programs succeed in bringing the target pest population under sufficient control. Biological control is, therefore, usually employed with chemical, cultural, genetic or other methods in an integrated pest management (IPM) strategy. The interactions between different pest management methods, especially conventional pesticides and host plant resistance, is an area of growing research interest but relatively little consideration is given to novel combinations. This paper reviews the interactions between biological control and other forms of pest management, especially induced plant defences and the novel, non-toxic plant protection compounds that may boost these defences; and sterile insect technique. We also cover the cultural methods that offer scope to support synergies between the aforementioned methodological combinations. We conclude that despite the sometimes negative consequences of other pest management techniques for biological control efficacy, there is great scope for new strategies to be developed that exploit synergies between biological control and various other techniques. Ultimately, however, we propose that future use of biological control will involve integration at a greater conceptual scale such that this important form of pest management is promoted as one of a suite of ecosystem services that can be engineered into farming systems and wider landscapes.     

Advances in research of induced resistance to insects in cotton

Any change in a plant that occurs following herbivory or environmental factors is an induced response. These changes include phytochemical induction, increases in physical defenses, emission of volatiles that attract predators and parasitoids of herbivores, and reduction in plant nutritional quality for herbivores, which is termed induced resistance. Induced resistance has been demonstrated ubiquitously in plants. It is one of our goals to review what is known about the induced resistance to herbivorous insects in cotton, including three resistance secondary metabolites (terpenoid, tannin, and flavonoids) that are contained at any significant levels of resistance to herbivorous insects in cotton cultivates. In many cases, the quantities or quality of secondary metabolites in plant are changed after attacked by insects. This review focuses on induced plant resistance as quantitative or qualitative enhancement of defense mechanism against insect pests, especially on the abiotic-elicitors-induced resistance in cotton plants. The abiotic-elicitor of cupric chloride, an exogenous inorganic compound, may induce the secondary metabolites accumulation and is referred to as a copperinducible elicitor (CIE). Finally, we discuss how copperinducible elicitor may be used in the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) system for cotton resistance control.     

Host plant genetic control of associated fungal and insect species in a Populus hybrid cross

Plants employ a diverse set of defense mechanisms to mediate interactions with insects and fungi. These relationships can leave lasting impacts on host plant genome structure such as rapid expansion of gene families through tandem duplication. These genomic signatures provide important clues about the complexities of plant/biotic stress interactions and evolution. We used a pseudo‐backcross hybrid family to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) controlling associations between Populus trees and several common Populus diseases and insects. Using whole‐genome sequences from each parent, we identified candidate genes that may mediate these interactions. Candidates were partially validated using mass spectrometry to identify corresponding QTL for defensive compounds. We detected significant QTL for two interacting fungal pathogens and three insects. The QTL intervals contained candidate genes potentially involved in physical and chemical mechanisms of host–plant resistance and susceptibility. In particular, we identified adjoining QTLs for a phenolic glycoside and Phyllocolpa sawfly abundance. There was also significant enrichment of recent tandem duplications in the genomic intervals of the native parent, but not the exotic parent. Tandem gene duplication may be an important mechanism for rapid response to biotic stressors, enabling trees with long juvenile periods to reach maturity despite many coevolving biotic stressors.     

Advances in research of induced resistance to insects in cotton

Any change in a plant that occurs following herbivory or environmental factors is an induced response. These changes include phytochemical induction, increases in physical defenses, emission of volatiles that attract predators and parasitoids of herbivores, and reduction in plant nutritional quality for herbivores, which is termed induced resistance. Induced resistance has been demon-strated ubiquitously in plants. It is one of our goals to review what is known about the induced resistance to herbivorous insects in cotton, including three resistance secondary metabolites (terpenoid, tannin, and flavonoids) that are contained at any significant levels of resistance to herbivorous insects in cotton cultivates. In many cases, the quantities or quality of secondary metabolites in plant are changed after attacked by insects. This review focuses on induced plant resistance as quantitative or qualitative enhancement of defense mechanism against insect pests, especially on the abiotic-elicitors-induced resistance in cotton plants. The abiotic-elicitor of cupric chloride, an exogenous inorganic compound, may induce the second-ary metabolites accumulation and is referred to as a copper-inducible elicitor (CIE). Finally, we discuss how copper-inducible elicitor may be used in the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) system for cotton resistance control.     

Endophytic fungal entomopathogens with activity against plant pathogens: ecology and evolution

Dual biological control, of both insect pests and plant pathogens, has been reported for the fungal entomopathogens, Beauveria bassiana (Bals.-Criv.) Vuill. (Ascomycota: Hypocreales) and Lecanicillium spp. (Ascomycota: Hypocreales). However, the primary mechanisms of plant disease suppression are different for these fungi. Beauveria spp. produce an array of bioactive metabolites, and have been reported to limit growth of fungal plant pathogens in vitro. In plant assays, B. bassiana has been reported to reduce diseases caused by soilborne plant pathogens, such as Pythium, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium. Evidence has accumulated that B. bassiana can endophytically colonize a wide array of plant species, both monocots and dicots. B. bassiana also induced systemic resistance when endophytically colonized cotton seedlings were challenged with a bacterial plant pathogen on foliage. Species of Lecanicillium are known to reduce disease caused by powdery mildew as well as various rust fungi. Endophytic colonization has been reported for Lecanicillium spp., and it has been suggested that induced systemic resistance may be active against powdery mildew. However, mycoparasitism is the primary mechanism employed by Lecanicillium spp. against plant pathogens. Comparisons of Beauveria and Lecanicillium are made with Trichoderma, a fungus used for biological control of plant pathogens and insects. For T. harzianum Rifai (Ascomycota: Hypocreales), it has been shown that some fungal traits that are important for insect pathogenicity are also involved in biocontrol of phytopathogens.     

Male pheromone composition depends on larval but not adult diet in Heliconius melpomene

1. Condition‐dependent traits can act as honest signals of mate quality, with fitter individuals being able to display preferred phenotypes. Nutrition is known to be an important determinant of individual condition, with diet known to affect many secondary sexual traits. 2. In Heliconius butterflies, male chemical signalling plays an important role in female mate choice. Potential male sex pheromone components have been identified previously, although it is unclear what information they convey to the female. 3. In the present study, the effect of diet on androconial and genital compound production is tested in male Heliconius melpomene rosina. To manipulate larval diet, larvae are reared on three different Passiflora host plants: Passiflora menispermifolia, the preferred host plant, Passiflora vitifolia and Passiflora platyloba. To manipulate adult diet, adult butterflies are reared with and without access to pollen, a key component of their diet. 4. No evidence is found to suggest that adult pollen consumption affects compound production in the first 10 days after eclosion. There is also a strong overlap in the chemical profiles of individuals reared on different larval host plants. The most abundant compounds produced by the butterflies do not differ between host plant groups. However, some compounds found in small amounts differ both qualitatively and quantitatively. Some of these compounds are predicted to be of plant origin and the others synthesised by the butterfly. Further electrophysiological and behavioural experiments will be needed to determine the biological significance of these differences.     

Genetic approaches to sustainable pest management in sugar beet (Beta vulgaris)

Sugar beet (Beta vulgaris) is an important arable crop, traditionally used for sugar extraction, but more recently, for biofuel production. A wide range of pests, including beet cyst nematode (Heterodera schachtii), root‐knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.), green peach aphids (Myzus persicae) and beet root maggot (Tetanops myopaeformis), infest the roots or leaves of sugar beet, which leads to yield loss directly or through transmission of beet pathogens such as viruses. Conventional pest control approaches based on chemical application have led to high economic costs. Development of pest‐resistant sugar beet varieties could play an important role towards sustainable crop production while minimising environmental impact. Intensive Beta germplasm screening has been fruitful, and genetic lines resistant to nematodes, aphids and root maggot have been identified and integrated into sugar beet breeding programmes. A small number of genes responding to pest attack have been cloned from sugar beet and wild Beta species. This trend will continue towards a detailed understanding of the molecular mechanism of insect–host plant interactions and host resistance. Molecular biotechnological techniques have shown promise in developing transgenic pest resistance varieties at an accelerated speed with high accuracy. The use of transgenic technology is discussed with regard to biodiversity and food safety.     

Perspectives of non-phytoseiid predators for the biological control of plant pests

Non-phytoseiid mites of potential importance in the biocontrol of plant pests include a dozen families. The host plant constitutes the universe in which pests and predators interact; thus plant growth pattern, leaf structure and various available nutrients may affect the control potential of the mites. The role of infochemicals in prey finding by non-phytoseiids probably differs among the various families. Prey size may be important in control success when predaceous mites feed on insect pests. Interactions between phytoseiids and members of other families may hinder or complement pest control. Little is known of the effects of plant-protection chemicals on non-phytoseiid predators, but they appear to be quite variable. Current research onHemisarcoptes, a parasite of armored scale insects, is reviewed, including a successful introduction into New Zealand. Active mite slicing into host shields and deutonymph interactions with its vector-beetle are important aspects of the predator's effectiveness. Further research should include: collecting (with emphasis on the tropics and subtropics), describing and testing additional mite species against more pests; assaying pesticide effects; studying interactions between predators of different families, especially on uncultivated plants; and trying more predaceous mites against nematodes, plant diseases and weeds.     

Efficacy of plant products in controlling disease vector mosquitoes,a review

Mosquitoes pose a severe threat to the environment as vectors of numerous harmful diseases affecting humans and animals. Mosquitoes transmit pathogens that cause dengue, chikungunya, malaria, zika, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, and filariasis. Today's mosquito control strategies heavily rely on the use of chemical insecticides such as N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET), N,N-diethyl mandelic acid amide (DEM), and dimethyl phthalate (DMP). However, the widespread use of chemical insecticides has resulted in pollution, bio-magnification, and other health and environmental issues. It has also become ineffective because of the mosquitoes' aptitude to develop resistance, emphasizing the urgent need for safe, effective, and long-lasting strategies. An alternative and promising approach to circumventing these obstacles involves the implementation of insecticides made from natural compounds found in plants. Therefore, the scientific community has shifted its focus towards plant-based phytochemicals, oils, and extracts, as these are eco-friendly, safe, and cost-effective alternatives to conventional chemical insecticides. This review aims to provide details on current advances in plant-based products (plant compounds, extracts, and essential oils), which are used to control all the life cycle stages (egg, larva, pupa, and adult) of the mosquito genera Aedes, Anopheles, and Culex. Hopefully, this review will pave the way to devise control strategies against these challenging pests.     

Elicitors and priming agents initiate plant defense responses

Biotic elicitors produced by plant pathogens or herbivore pests rapidly activate a range of plant chemical defenses when translocated to plant tissue. The fatty acid conjugate volicitin has proven to be a robust elicitor model for studying herbivore-induced plant defense responses. Here we review the role of insect-derived volicitin (N-[17-hydroxylinolenoyl]-L-glutamine) as an authentic elicitor of defense responses, specifically as an activator of signal volatiles that attract natural enemies of herbivore pests. Comparisons are drawn between volicitin as an elicitor of plant defenses and two other classes of signaling molecules, C₆ green-leaf volatiles and C₄ bacterial volatiles that appear to prime plant defenses thereby enhancing the capacity to mobilize cellular defense responses when a plant is faced with herbivore or pathogen attack.     

Machine vision algorithm for whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci Genn.) scouting under greenhouse environment

One of the main problems in greenhouse crop production is the presence of pests. Detection and classification of insects are priorities in integrated pest management (IPM). This document describes a machine vision system able to detect whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci Genn.) in a greenhouse by sensing their presence using hunting traps. The extracted features corresponding to the eccentricity and area of the whiteflies projections allow to establish differences among pests and other insects on both the trap surfaces and dust generated artefacts. Because of whiteflies geometrical characteristics, it was possible to design an efficient (related to manual counting) machine vision algorithm to scout and count units of this pest within a greenhouse environment. These algorithm results show high correlation indexes for both, sticky screens (R² = 0.97) and plant leaf situations (R² = 1.0). The machine vision algorithm reduces the scouting time and the associated human error for IPM‐related activities.