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Bemisia tabaci (Sweet Potato Whitefly), Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Greenhouse Whitefly)
Both the greenhouse whitefly and the sweet potato whitefly are major pests of many vegetable and ornamental crops. Due to its resistance to many insecticides, the sweet potato whitefly poses a particular threat to many crops.
--BIOLOGY--
The whitefly goes through six developmental stages: egg, first, second, third, and fourth larval stage (which develops into pupa) and adult. Adult whiteflies can usually be found in the top of the plant and on the undersides of young leaves, where they usually deposit their eggs. When shaking infested plants, adults will first fly, then return to the undersides of the leaves. Larvae are primarily found on the undersides of young leaves, though those of the sweet potato whitefly can occur on both young and old leaves. Pupae are typically found on the oldest leaves.
--DAMAGE--
Both whitefly adults and larvae extract food from the plant. The larvae, in particular, secrete honeydew while feeding; giving the crop a “dirty” appearance and causing both stunted growth and sticky unsightly fruit. Plant viruses may also be transmitted.
--BIOLOGICAL SOLUTIONS--
Biological control of whitefly is possible with the following Koppert products: EN-STRIP, EN-STRIP 1/2, ERCAL, ENERMIX, and CHRYSOPA.
For more information, ask our expert.
Products in blue are Garden/Greenhouse Accessories.
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