Bayan Almustafa*1 , Dummar Nammour1, and Bassam Odeh 2
1Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering, Homs University, Homs. Syria.
2Homs Research Center, GCSAR, Syria.
(*Correspnding author: Bayan Almustafa, E-Mail :byanalmstfy@gmail.com, Tel: 963936290055).
Received: 10/ 07/ 2025 Accepted: 3/ 09/ 2025
Abstract:
The whitefly (Bemisia tabaci Genn.) is considered one of the most dangerous agricultural pests affecting a wide range of economically important crops, including eggplant in central Syria. It causes significant damage by feeding on plant sap and transmitting viruses. Known for its rapid reproduction, especially in warm and protected environments, its development and population dynamics are strongly influenced by environmental factors. This study aimed to investigate the seasonal abundance of B. tabaci, estimate the number of its generations, and assess the impact of climatic variables on its different life stages (eggs, nymphs, and adults) under field conditions.The research was conducted at the Al-Mukhtaria Research Station (Homs) during the 2023 and 2024 growing seasons. Results indicated the presence of four generations in 2023 and five in 2024. The increased temperatures and relative humidity in 2024 contributed to higher insect activity and reproduction, particularly in the adult stage, which showed a significant positive correlation with minimum temperatures. The three developmental stages were variably affected by climatic factors such as relative humidity, solar radiation, and wind speed, highlighting the importance of these variables in determining optimal pest control timing. The findings suggest that integrating climatic data into early warning systems and integrated pest management (IPM) programs could enhance the effectiveness of whitefly control strategies.
Keywords:Eggplant, Bemisia tabaci, seasonal abundance, climatic factors, number of generations.
Full paper in Arabic: pdf