Alternative control of whitefly nymphs with neem extracts

Major problems are encountered in the search for high yields of the most diverse agricultural crops in the world. Among the most relevant is the search for effective products to control whitefly nymphs (Bemisia tabaci biotype B) for use in these agro-ecosystems. The pest is a polyphagous insect that causes direct damage such as sucking sap from the plant and indirect damage which is the most aggressive causing the transmission of viruses to most crops belonging to the legume family as well as to species of cucurbits solanaceae and others. However for efficient control of this pest the most common techniques consist of using chemical control but the irrational use of these molecules not only acts as potential agents for environmental pollution but also selects races that are tolerant to chemical management making them more harmful. In this way the search for natural alternatives for controlling B. tabaci as well as reducing the process of environmental contamination ends up providing easier and cheaper management for the producer playing a favourable role for environmental sustainability.