If you are a plant lover, you have probably already been confronted with the annoying presence of white flies or white flies. This little pest can wreak havoc on your crops, leaving the leaves yellow, weakened and even leading to the death of the plant if not controlled in time.
# # # What is whitefly? # # #
The whitefly is a tiny insect measuring 1 to 1.5 mm long, white in color, which feeds on plant sap through a sucking mouthpart responsible for the damage it causes to plants. They are usually found on the underside of leaves (the back side). It is found in a wide variety of crops, from vegetables to ornamentals, and reproduces quickly, becoming a nightmare.
# # # Types of whiteflies # # #
Trialeurodes vaporariorum or greenhouse whitefly: This is one of the most problematic species in greenhouses and protected crops. It feeds on a wide variety of plants, including many vegetables and ornamental plants.
Paraleyrodes minei or citrus whitefly: noted for its large adults and for laying eggs on adult leaves, in a kind of nest built with waxy filaments that give the characteristic appearance to the eggs of this species. It is a common species in gardens.
Aleurothrixus floccosus or cottony whitefly: This is a major pest of citrus crops, such as oranges and lemons. It can also affect other plants.
Dialeurodes citri or lemon whitefly: Also known as “citrus whitefly” or “lemon whitefly,” this species is a common pest of citrus crops like oranges, lemons, and grapefruit.
Bemisia tobacco or tobacco whitefly : This species is known to be one of the most damaging pests on a wide variety of crops worldwide, including tobacco, tomatoes, cotton, and many other plants.
Aleyrodes proletella or cabbage whitefly: As the name suggests, it is a common pest of cabbage and other cruciferous crops.
# # # The Whitefly Life Cycle: Understanding Our Little Pest # # #
Let's talk about the life cycle of the whitefly, this small but powerful enemy of our plants. Understanding its life cycle is crucial to being able to combat it effectively and protect our crops.
Egg Phase: The life cycle of the whitefly begins with the egg phase. Adult females lay their eggs under plant leaves, usually in groups. These eggs are pale yellow in color and oval in shape. This is the starting point of the future pest that can seriously affect our plants and we must start taking action as soon as we notice its presence.
Nymph Phase: Once the eggs hatch, nymphs emerge, which are the immature forms of the whitefly. At this stage, the nymphs are small and pale yellow and attach to the underside of plant leaves. During this time, they feed on plant sap, which can weaken them and make them more susceptible to diseases and other problems.
Nymphal Stage: Next, the nymphs move into the pupal stage, where they develop into adults. During this phase, the nymphs attach themselves to leaves or other nearby surfaces and begin to grow and transform. The nymph is immobile and protected by a waxy covering, which makes it more resistant to certain control methods.
Adult phase: Finally, the pupae hatch and emerge as adult whiteflies. These small winged creatures have pale yellow bodies and white wings and are capable of moving quickly from plant to plant. During this stage, whiteflies reproduce and lay eggs, completing their life cycle and triggering a new generation of pests.
# # # Whitefly Damage to Plants # # #
If you notice that the leaves of your plants are showing yellow spots, weakening or starting to wilt, it is likely that they are being attacked by whiteflies. Additionally, when shaking plants, it is common to see these tiny pests floating around the leaves, confirming their presence.
Whiteflies, despite their small size, can cause significant damage to our precious plants. This pest can cause visible damage and affect the overall health of plants, which can lead to a decrease in the quality and quantity of the crop.
Here I tell you some of the main damages that this annoying pest can cause:
- Weakening Plants: Whiteflies feed on plant sap, which can weaken them significantly. This weakening can make plants more susceptible to disease, additional pests and adverse environmental conditions, which can affect their growth and development. In the case of young plants, damage caused by whiteflies can be fatal.
-Yellowed, Faded Leaves: One of the most common signs of a whitefly infestation is yellowed, faded, or spotted leaves. This is due to whitefly nymphs extracting nutrients from the plant, which can interfere with their ability to photosynthesize and obtain the nutrients needed for healthy growth. You may also notice twisted or misshapen leaves covered in a shiny, sticky honeydew.
-Honeydew production: Whiteflies excrete a sugary liquid called honeydew, which can coat plant leaves and stems. This sticky residue attracts other pests and encourages the growth of fungi on leaf surfaces, such as black mold called sooty mold, which can harm plant health and hinder their ability to photosynthesize.
-Virus Transmission: Whitefly can act as a vector for transmitting viruses to plants. By feeding on the sap, whiteflies can introduce viruses into plants, which can lead to serious disease and irreversible damage. This can have a devastating impact on commercial crops and ornamental plants.
-Aesthetic Damage: In addition to physiological and health damage, the presence of whiteflies can also impact the aesthetics of plants. Yellowing leaves, the presence of black mold, and a decrease in the overall quality of the plant can affect its ornamental value and visual appeal.
The damage caused by whiteflies goes beyond just the aesthetic aspect, affecting the health and productivity of our plants. It is crucial to be alert to the early signs of whitefly presence and take prevention and control measures to protect our plants from this harmful pest.
# # # Whitefly Control and Prevention # # #
To control whiteflies, it is important to take preventative measures, such as maintaining good soil drainage, avoiding excess moisture and using sticky traps to capture adult specimens. It is also essential to prune the most affected leaves to eliminate attached larvae, pupae and eggs and to use specific insecticides.
Of course, dealing with whiteflies on plants can be a challenge, but with the right control and prevention strategies, it is possible to keep this pest at bay.
-- Preventive measures to combat whiteflies --
-Pest control: Encourage the presence of beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and parasitic wasps, which feed on whiteflies, by planting aromatic plants such as basil, calendula, rosemary or mint.
-Regular Monitoring: Monitor your plants regularly for early signs of whiteflies. By being alert to the symptoms, you will be able to take timely prevention and control measures.
-Maintain good soil drainage, avoid excessive nitrogen-rich fertilizers, and eliminate weeds to reduce whitefly harborages.
- Place yellow sticky traps around your plants to capture adults and reduce the population.
-- Biological control of whiteflies --
-Potassium Soap: Use Potassium soap to spray plants, as it has the property of softening the exoskeleton of adults and nymphs, leaving them very weakened and eventually dying. It is also a natural and harmless product for health.
- Neem Oil: Neem oil acts as a natural repellent and also interferes with the development of whitefly nymphs. In addition, for greater effectiveness it can also be mixed with potassium soap which increases its effectiveness. It is important to cover all surfaces, both top and bottom.
Homemade recipe to eliminate whiteflies: |
✅ A water sprayer ✅ One liter of water ✅ 5 mL or a teaspoon of potassium soap ✅ 5 ml or a teaspoon of neem oil |
-Pressurized water jet: This is not one of the most effective methods for controlling this pest, but washing the plant with pressurized water will cause the nymphs to fall to the ground and die, in addition to cleaning the honeydew that they produce and thus prevent them from spreading, generating fungi. We can apply the mixture of potassium soap and Neem oil and after 2 or 3 days wash the plant with pressure water. In this way we eliminate dead flies and larvae while dragging away larvae, pupae and eggs that are on the leaves.
-- Chemical control of whiteflies --
Insecticides of biological origin formulated from Beauveria bassiana (it is a fungus that infects insects). They act by contact and infestation on whiteflies as well as aphids, spiders and thrips.
Use of insecticides of biological origin based on pyrethrins. Pyrethrins act by contact, affecting the nervous system of different harmful insects, causing their paralysis and death within a few hours after application. In addition to effectively fighting whiteflies, it also acts against aphids.
Insecticides formulated with maltodextrin. It acts immediately upon contact, causing the insect to adhere to the surface of the plant and causing suffocation. It is a product totally respectful of auxiliary fauna, which makes it ideal for integrated production programs.
By combining preventative measures, biological and chemical control options, and regular monitoring, you can protect your plants from whiteflies and keep your plants in a healthy environment. Do not get discouraged! With determination and the right strategies, you can keep this pesky pest at bay.
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