Field Identification
A highly polyphagous whitefly complex whose feeding can induce squash silverleaf disorder, transmit many plant viruses, and coat foliage with honeydew. Biotype names exist; field ID is usually 'Bemisia' management.
Small white adults, wings held vertical at rest; nymphs are scale-like on undersides. Massive populations build in warm weather and greenhouses.
How to Deal With It
Organic Control Methods
Inspect propagation material aggressively; rogue virus-susceptible plants showing early symptoms.
Encarsia formosa, Eretmocerus spp., Delphastus, and lacewings—release in greenhouses or conserve outdoors.
Remove lower leaves that harbor nymphs; reflective mulches may repel adults in vegetable rows.
Vacuum adults from greenhouse crops evenings; sticky cards for monitoring.
Soaps, oils, neem, and Beauveria bassiana where labeled—rotate modes and protect beneficials by spot-treating hotspots.
Let Nature Handle It
Natural Enemies
- Encarsia formosa
- Eretmocerus spp.
- Delphastus catalinae
- Lacewings