Europe: Bemisia whitefly thrives with warm fall temperatures

Since most companies with lit cultivation have now planted new crops, the Bemisia occurrence needs to be taken very seriously. Growers have to assume that this pest insect may also be present at their company, despite a big clean-up. There are already companies where Bemisia has been signaled again.

The silverleaf whitefly is indistinguishable from the greenhouse whitefly on sticky traps, so it’s very important to check the crop thoroughly.

The easiest and most efficient way is by doing sticky trap counts from the middle aisle to the wall and to check the crop on the return, from wall to aisle. To avoid surprises, and assuming the presence of the silverleaf whitefly, it is important to immediately initiate a full deployment schedule of Ercal (Eretmocerus eremicus).

In lit cultivation Eretmocerus is the best choice because this predator works well under warmer conditions and controls Bemisia better than Encarsia Formosa.

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