Whiteflies and their types
Whiteflies are winged insects that feed on watery fluid circulating through plants and infect them. They can cause severe damage to plants by creating diseases and secreting honeydew. Let’s discuss different types of common whiteflies.
- Greenhouse whitefly
Greenhouse whiteflies, also known as Trialeurodes Vaporariorum, are most common in gardens that have a greenhouse and vegetables. These insects feed on ornamental plants, poinsettia, hibiscus, ivy, gerbera daisy, lantana, verbena, garden chrysanthemum, salvia, Mandevilla and vegetables like tomatoes and peppers.
- Silverleaf whitefly
It is also known as Bemisia tabaci; it causes damage to plants, particularly cotton and plenty of vegetables. They are also aggressive and cause damage by discolouring the plants and feeding on them. After they feed on plants, crops get more in danger, giving rise to a risk of diseases, resulting in silver and yellowish forms of leaves.
- Banded winged whitefly
Banded winged whiteflies are also called Trialeurodes Abutilonea. The most affected plants by these pets are hibiscus, avocado, banana, and citrus. These whiteflies are also known to cause plant virus transmission by vectoring from infected plants and transmitting to well-nourished plants.
How to prevent whiteflies from maintaining healthy plants
- Isolation of new plants
When planting new crops, ensure to quarantine them in proper gardening lights for some time as it can prevent infestation from occurring in the current and developed garden. This step ensures to have clarity in eliminating any pests before moving new plants near the existing ones. Inspecting the plant during the isolation period is very important so that every part of the plant, including the undersides of leaves, is taken care of where there is more chance of the presence of insects.
- Routine monitoring
Before letting whiteflies infect and attack more plants, you should do routine monitoring. They are not noticeable because they are tiny, but regular observation can help to remove them quickly as they reproduce at high speed. There are many symptoms that are worth checking, such as yellow texture, honeydew or stunted growth.
- Eliminate by vacuuming
During the early stage of whiteflies’ congregation, vacuuming them is key to eliminating them gently. The best time to ward them off is the early morning or late evening because they are passive during that time. When cleaning, you should look out for the area underside of leaves and where they rest most of the time.
- Glued traps
You can use garden tools such as sticky traps and yellow traps with sticks glued on them, which have proven to be very effective in attracting flies because of their colour. They can be hung at an upward angle to the plant, where there are more whiteflies than in other areas. This step is effective if the pests are in less amount, but if the infestation is severe, using plenty of traps at multiple areas is advised.
- Use of neem oil
Instead of using mediators or insecticides, you should use neem oil, which is a natural solution yet effective in contributing to the elimination of pests. Oil should be applied to every corner, including where they lay eggs, to kill the entire population. Using the spray bottle is effective so that the plant is not over-coated.
Make your plants healthy with Bayton Horticulture Centre.
We are here to help you whether you are dealing with a whitefly infestation or natural treatments. We can protect your plants from further damage by securing proven and effective techniques. Let us help you restore the beauty of your garden with all the garden accessories and garden tools available. Contact Bayton Horticulture Centre today for expert guidance.
