Description
Whitefly are small sap-sucking insects that resemble tiny white moths. They grow between 1 and 3 millimetres long. Adults and nymphs both suck sap from plants causing damage. Whitefly will fly around when disturbed and resettle back on the host plant.
Whitefly populations can increase quickly in warm conditions, especially in covered cropping systems.
Common native plant hosts
| Scientific names | Māori/common names |
|---|---|
| Leptospermum scoparium | Mānuka |
Scientific names
Leptospermum scoparium
Māori/common names
Mānuka
Symptoms and damage
- Leaf yellowing.
- Plant stress.
- Stunted growth.
- Secrete honeydew so can attract sooty mould.
- Can transmit viruses to plants.
Prevention and control tips
Whitefly can be difficult to control because the eggs and pupae are quite resistant to pesticides. It is likely that different life stages may be found on infected plants at the same time and multiple applications may be necessary for effective treatment.
- Monitor populations with sticky traps.
- Biological control organisms.
- Chemical insecticides.
- Neem.
- Organic pyrethrum.
- Plant soap.
- Spray oil.