EFFECT OF MOISTURE LEVELS IN Capsicum chinense Jacq. AND IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF Bemisia tabaci Genn.

Abstract

The effect of soil moisture levels in the development of Capsicum chinence Jacq plants and survival and development of Bemisia tabaci Genn was evaluated. Four treatments were evaluated, 60%, 50%, 40% and 30% soil moisture levels, which were calculated from the value of the irrigated area and the plant container area. Plant height, stem diameter, total dry biomass, substrate moisture content, water potential and water use efficiency were evaluated. To determine the effect of the plant water status on Bemisia tabaci, the number of eggs laid, egg and nymph mortality and mean time of nymph development were recorded. A direct positive correlation was found between the soil moisture and the plant water potential, the treatment with highest soil moisture provided better moisture conditions for plants. Plants treated with the higher levels of soil moisture showed significantly higher plant height, stem diameter and root volume. Higher oviposition and lower developmental time of nymphs of B. tabaci were observed on plants treated with 50% soil moisture. Eggs and nymph mortality were not affected by soil moisture levels.