Whiteflies are tiny, sap-sucking insects that are related to aphids, scales, and mealybugs. They are found all over the world and can infest a wide variety of plants, including vegetables, fruits, ornamentals, and greenhouse crops. Whiteflies are most active in warm, dry weather and can reproduce quickly, making them difficult to control. The spiralling whitefly has four life stages: egg, nymph, pupa, and adult. The adult whiteflies are tiny (about 1-1.5 mm long) and white with powdery wings. They lay their eggs on the undersides of leaves. The nymphs are yellow and flat and do not have wings.
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- Type of Infestation: Pest
- Common Name: White Fly
- Causal Organism: Aleurodicus dispersus
- Affected Parts Of the plant: leaves
Identification:
Eggs:
- Tiny, oval-shaped, and yellow or white in color.
- Usually laid on the underside of leaves, along the veins.
- Difficult to see with the naked eye, often requiring a magnifying glass for identification.
Nymphs:
- Flat, scale-like, and immobile, typically found on the underside of leaves.
- Vary in color depending on the species, but they're often green, yellow, or brown.
- Go through several molting stages before reaching adulthood.
Honeydew:
- A sticky, sugary substance excreted by whiteflies as they feed.
- Attracts ants and promotes the growth of sooty mold, a black fungal growth that can further harm the plant.
Environmental favorable factors for pests/Diseases:
- Temperature: Whiteflies generally thrive in mild temperatures, with a range of 20-32°C (68-90°F) being considered optimal for their development.
- Humidity: Whiteflies prefer moderate humidity levels, ranging from 50-70%. This helps them to conserve water and prevents their eggs from drying out.
Symptoms of Pest/Disease:
- Presence of whiteflies
- Yellowing leaves
- Sticky leaves
- Sooty mold
- Stunted growth
- Curled leaves
Measures to control Pests/Diseases:
Products
Technical Names
Dosages
Flonicamid 50 wg
50-100 g a.i./ha
Acetamiprid 20 % SP
60 to 80 grams per acre
Diafenthiuron 50 % WP
250 g / acre
Imidacloprid 70 % WG
2-3gms per 15 ltr water
