Whitefly

Trialeurodes vaporariorum

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Identification

Whitefly attacks plants which have leaves, such as Pelargonium, Peireskia, Fouquieria, Euphorbia, Crassula and Senecio.

Prevention

Whitefly settle on weeds such as chickweed, stinging nettle, frenchweed, greater celandine, and others, then moves on to cultivated plants. The control of weeds in surrounding areas is therefore an important preventative measure.

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Greenhouse whitefly


Cure

Insecticidal soap sprays can be effective

Systemic insecticides, containing thiacloprid, thiamethoxam or acetamiprid, provide the best control; they also kill on contact, but are also taken inside the plant where they go on to protect against further attack for several weeks.

Bayer Provado Ultimate Bug Killer is systemic and is taken up by the plant where it will help control whitefly - and other sap-sucking insects. There are only certain edible crops that the ready-to-use formulation can be used on; check the label before using. Scotts BugClear Ultra and Westland Plant Rescue Bug Killer for Ornamental Plants are similar, but can only be used on ornamentals.


Whitefly are best controlled in the greenhouse by biological control. Encarsia

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