Goal: This trial was designed to evaluate the immediate efficacy of Bent™ in suppressing whitefly populations on melongene crops and to determine the most effective application rate.
Date: January, 2025
Location: Aranjuez, Trinidad & Tobago
Crop: Eggplant
Collaborators: ExcelAg Caribbean Team
Reinaldo Cozier – Agostini Agri Department
INTRODUCTION
Whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci) are among the most persistent pests affecting melongene (eggplant) growers in Trinidad & Tobago. These sap-sucking insects not only weaken plants by feeding on them but also act as vectors for destructive plant viruses. With growing demand for effective organic solutions, a field trial was conducted to assess the knockdown effect of Bent™, a multi-functional organic insecticide from ExcelAg.
METHODOLOGY
The trial took place on a commercial plot in Aranjuez, where four treatment beds were established:
Bed 1: Bent @ 20 ml/gallon
Bed 2: Bent @ 10 ml/gallon
Bed 3: Control (no treatment)
Bed 4: Bent @ 15 ml/gallon
Application was done using a motorized knapsack sprayer. On January 30th, a foliar application of Bent™ was applied to each treatment bed. To evaluate pest presence, five leaves per plant were tagged at random. Whitefly populations were counted before and 24 hours after treatment.
RESULTS
CONCLUSIONS
The results clearly demonstrate that BENT™, when applied at 20 ml/gallon, offers rapid and effective control of whiteflies in melongene production. With its organic formulation and specialized surfactant system, BENT™ enhances foliar absorption and ensures quick pest suppression, making it a valuable tool for integrated pest management programs.
