Whiteflies
Whiteflies  Whiteflies are sucking insects that feed on plant sap. The adults are small, powdery insects with four white wings. Both the adults and immature stages are found on the underside of the leaves. If heavy populations develop, plants become weakened with less vigor. However, the presence of low numbers of whiteflies can reduce the marketability of many crops. Identification- The powdery white (0.06 inch long) greenhouse whitefly adults have wings that tend to lie flat over their body. The yellowish, silverleaf whitefly adults are slightly smaller than the greenhouse whitefly adults. Silverleaf whitefly adults also tend to hold their wings at a 45-degree angle close to their body. Adults of the greenhouse and banded winged whitefly look very similar. They can be distinguished by the two grayish bands that form a zigzag pattern across each front wing of the bandedwinged whitefly adult. Susceptible Plants- Tomato, cucumber and many other greenhouse and house plants
Symptoms- While low populations may not cause serious plant injury, the presence of only one or two whiteflies at the time of sale may be objectionable to customers. At higher population levels, whiteflies can cause the plant's foliage to become yellowed and mottled. Whiteflies are sucking insects. The resulting honeydew, a sweet sugary sap, can be excreted onto the plant's foliage. This can cause sooty mold to develop and interfere with photosynthesis.
Prevention and Control- Hang yellow sticky traps near plants to control small infestations and for monitoring the appearance of whitfly where biological control agents are to be introduced. Remove sticky traps before biological agents are used. Dispose of badly infested plants. Wash down surfaces including greenhouse benches. Biological Control- Use Whitefly Parasite Eretmocerus eremicus Incesticidal Control- Bon-Neem Insecticidal Soap
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