|
|
How to Manage Pests
UC Pest Management Guidelines
Citrus
Whiteflies
Scientific Names:
Woolly whitefly: Aleurothrixus floccosus
Citrus whitefly: Dialeurodes citri
Bayberry whitefly: Parabemisia myricae
Ash whitefly: Siphoninus phillyreae
(Reviewed 7/03,
updated 7/03)
In this Guideline:
|
|
|
DESCRIPTION OF THE PESTS
Whiteflies are tiny, flying insects that derive their name from the mealy white
wax covering their wings and body. While adult whiteflies are similar in
appearance, the immature stages are more distinctive. The pupa and other
immature stages of the woolly
whitefly are covered with curly, waxy filaments; pupa of the
bayberry whitefly have a clear wax
fringe around its body margin; and pupae of the
citrus whitefly have a distinctive
Y-shape on their back.
DAMAGE
Whiteflies suck phloem sap, causing leaves to wilt and drop when populations
are large. Honeydew excreted by nymphs collects dust and supports the growth of
sooty mold; large infestations blacken entire trees as well as attract ants,
which interfere with the biological control of whiteflies and other pests.
MANAGEMENT
Chemical treatment of whiteflies is not effective; temporary suppression may be
achieved only to be followed by a resurgence of the pest. If ants are present,
control them to enhance biological control of the whitefly.
Biological Control
Several natural enemies attack the
immature stages of whiteflies and
provide partial to complete biological control when undisturbed by ants, dust,
or insecticide treatment. Conserve natural enemies by applying Bacillus
thuringiensis (Bt) for orangeworms and sabadilla for citrus thrips if
monitoring indicates a need to control these pests.
Cultural Control
Control dust and alternate row prune to provide refuge for parasites.
![[UC Peer Reviewed]](/IMAGES/logo-ucpeerreviewed.jpg)
UC IPM Pest Management Guidelines: Citrus
UC ANR Publication 3441
Insects, Mites, and Snails
E. E. Grafton-Cardwell, Kearney Agricultural Center, Parlier
J. G. Morse, Entomology, UC Riverside
N. V. O’Connell, UC Cooperative Extension, Tulare Co.
P. A. Phillips, UC IPM Program, UC Cooperative Extension, Ventura Co.
C. E. Kallsen, UC Cooperative Extension, Kern Co.
D. R. Haviland, UC Cooperative Extension, Kern Co.
Acknowledgments for contributions to the insect, mite, and snail section:
J. Barcinas, E. S. I., Corona, CA
R. Dunn, Badger Farming Co., Exeter, CA
J. Gorden, Pest Management Associates, Exeter, CA
H. Griffiths, E. S. I., Corona, CA
D. Machlitt, Consulting Entomology Services, Moorpark, CA
C. Musgrove, retired entomologist, Riverside, CA
K. Olsen, S & J Ranch, Pinedale, CA
T. Roberts, E. S. I., Corona, CA
J. Stewart, Pest Management Associates, Exeter, CA
P. Washburn, Washburn & Sons Citrus Pest Control, Riverside, CA
Top of page
|
