Whitefly
Whiteflies/ Dapulak (Bemisia tabaci) adult and nymphs suck sap underneath leaves. It is prevalent year-round but reproduce faster under hot & dry environment.
What are the symptoms
Feeding of Adults and nymphs causes yellowing of leaves and shedding-off.
Produces honeydew that stimulates the growth of sooty molds which reduces photosynthetic activity.
Impact to the crop
Reduction of leaf size, plant height, internodes, quality and quantity of yield may result in case of high infestation. Vector of many viruses that may significantly affect the growth and development of the plant.
How to control
√ Intercropping with non-host crops and removal of alternate host weeds can help controlling whitefly population in the field.
√ Apply insecticides registered for whiteflies control. The application must be according to the recommended rate and timing of application.
√ Use of Biological control agents and enhancing the reproduction of natural enemies.
Source: CABI. 2020. Bemisia tabaci (Tobacco whitefly) Datasheet. Invasive Species Compedium CAB International. Retrieved from https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/8927
