Silverleaf Whitefly is emerging

Because the silverleaf whitefly demonstrates reduced susceptibility to the currently permitted pesticides, it is important to identify the silver leaf whitefly in a timely manner in order to achieve a good control management. Identification, especially in pepper and tomato can be difficult, as in many companies both whiteflies are present and look very similar. 

To perform the correct control strategy, it is important to distinguish these two types. The easiest way is by the wings of the insect. Where the wings of the greenhouse whitefly are delta shaped lying on its body, the wings of the silverleaf whitefly lay parallel next to each other. Another major difference is that the silverleaf whitefly lay eggs throughout the crop and is also situated in the whole of the crop. If a correction is needed the entire crop must be treated.

For many companies, the crop rotation is due. This is an important period to take preventive measures against whitefly. Make sure all weeds in and around the greenhouse are disposed of, because once the crop is cleared the silverleaf whitefly is temporarily looking for a new host. Once it is located in or around your greenhouse, the chances are that he strikes again in your new crop. 

During the start-up of the new crop monitoring is very important, it is done by visual counts or by catches with yellow sticky traps. When detecting a infestation action should be taken timely with biological control agents. 

More appropriate advice to combat the whitefly or for more information please contact: Royal Brinkman.