Suggestions for Whitefly Management

  1. Destroy old crop residues that harbor whitefly infestations unless large numbers of natural enemies of whitefly are detected. Destroy all crops residues infected with virus.
  2. Plant resistant varieties where available.
  3. Plant earlier in the spring and late in the fall to avoid high infestations late in the season and use short-season varieties.
  4. Avoid planting next to crops infested with whitefly and avoid carry-over from infested plant material.
  5. Delay the planting of fall vegetables until whitefly migration has diminished: use physical barriers during heavy migration; or, plant tolerant crops during these periods.
  6. Adopt spraying methods that improve coverage, especially underneath leaves.
  7. Incorporate 1 to 2% oil, detergents or soap mixtures in spray programs; however, avoid the use of phytotoxic materials.
  8. Use insecticides selectively and in accordance with action thresholds to preserve beneficial insects and minimize the selection for insecticide resistant whiteflies.
  9. Alternate classes of insecticides to avoid or delay the development of insecticide resistance.
  10. Consult your local State Agricultural Extension Service for the effectiveness of chemical and nonchemical treatments.

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Parts of this material may be reproduced for educational use. Please credit "United States Department of Agriculture, WHITEFLY KNOWLEDGEBASE"