White Flys

Whitefly

The most important whiteflies in Florida are citrus whitefly (Dialeurodes citri), the cloudy-winged whitefly (D. citrifollii), the wooly whitefly (Aleurothrixus floccosus), and citrus blackfly (A. woglumi). Whiteflies are dependent on new growth for their development and reproduction; consequently, they are active in citrus only during periods of flush. Large populations of these insects can deposit considerable volumes of honeydew, leading to sooty mold accumulation. These insects are constantly present in most groves in very low numbers and are normally under good biological control by various specialist parasitoids and generalist predators. Populations are rarely heavy enough to warrant treatment unless biological control has been disrupted. Serious infestations of whiteflies are an indication that management practices should be reviewed.

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