Greenhouse whitefly

Greenhouse whitefly

Greenhouse whiteflies (Trialeurodes vaporariorum), like aphids, belong to the systematic group of plant suckers (Sternorrhyncha) and to the moth scale insects (Aleurodina). Greenhouse whiteflies are 1-2 mm long and completely powdered with white wax.

Behaviour:
Greenhouse whiteflies usually sit in large numbers on the underside of soft leaves and fly up when disturbed, soon settling back down on the plant. They also have the ability to jump. Of the houseplants preferentially infested are: Azalea, noble pelargonium, blue starflower, heliotrope, fuchsia, sword fern and also orchids. The tiny eggs (0,1 mm) of the whitefly are pale yellow, later dark brown, and are firmly anchored in the leaf tissue.

Damage/illnesses:
All developmental stages of the whitefly suck on leaves which become blotchy and dry up in case of heavy infestation.

Control:
Greenhouse whiteflies can be caught by small adhesive traps. It is important to apply the sticky traps early as a preventive measure before mass infestations occur. Also a temporary cooling of potted plants reduces the infestation.

Prophylaxis:
Install fly screens on the windows. Use Neocid Expert Yellow Trap to detect infestation.