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Agricultural Pest Research Laboratory - Integrated Pest Management & Biological Control

GreenhouseWhitefly

Advanced research on Trialeurodes vaporariorum and integrated pest management strategies

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Greenhouse Whitefly
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Trialeurodes vaporariorum

Greenhouse whitefly - A major agricultural pest with global distribution

Global Pest
300+ Host Plants

Pest Overview

Scientific Classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hemiptera
Family: Aleyrodidae
Genus: Trialeurodes
Species: T. vaporariorum

The greenhouse whitefly (Trialeurodes vaporariorum) is a major agricultural pest that affects over 300 plant species worldwide. These tiny, sap-sucking insects are particularly problematic in greenhouse environments but also infest field crops in warmer climates.

Whiteflies cause direct damage by feeding on plant sap and indirect damage by secreting honeydew, which promotes sooty mold growth, and by transmitting plant viruses. Their rapid reproduction rate and resistance to many insecticides make them a challenging pest to control.

Greenhouse Whitefly
Size: 1-2 mm
Life Cycle: 18-30 days
Optimal Temp: 25-30°C
Eggs/Female: 200-400

Identification & Morphology

Key features for accurate pest identification

Adult Characteristics

  • Tiny, moth-like insects (1-2 mm)
  • White wings covered with waxy powder
  • Yellowish body with red eyes
  • Wings held roof-like over body
  • Active fliers when disturbed

Immature Stages

  • Eggs: conical, yellowish, on leaf underside
  • Nymphs: flat, oval, scale-like appearance
  • Pupae: oval with marginal bristles
  • Four nymphal instars
  • Mobile first instar, sessile later stages

Life Cycle & Biology

Development stages and biological characteristics

Egg Stage

Female lays 200-400 eggs on leaf underside. Eggs hatch in 5-9 days at 25°C.

5-9 days
Nymphal Stages

Four instars: crawler (mobile), then three sessile stages feeding on sap.

12-20 days
Pupal Stage

Fourth instar transforms into pupa. Eyes become red, body thickens.

3-5 days
Adult Stage

Adults emerge, mate, and females begin laying eggs within 1-2 days.

15-40 days
Temperature Effects

Optimal development at 25-30°C. Development stops below 10°C and above 35°C.

Reproduction

Parthenogenetic reproduction possible. Females can produce offspring without mating.

Damage Symptoms

How whiteflies damage crops and reduce yields

Direct Feeding Damage
  • Sap extraction weakens plants
  • Yellowing and wilting of leaves
  • Reduced plant growth and vigor
  • Premature leaf drop
Virus Transmission
  • Vector for 100+ plant viruses
  • Tomato yellow leaf curl virus
  • Bean golden mosaic virus
  • Cucurbit yellow stunting disorder
Honeydew & Sooty Mold
  • Sticky honeydew secretion
  • Sooty mold growth on leaves
  • Reduced photosynthesis
  • Fruit contamination and quality loss

Major Host Plants

Crops and plants susceptible to whitefly infestation

Vegetables
Tomato, cucumber, pepper, bean
Ornamentals
Poinsettia, gerbera, hibiscus, rose
Field Crops
Cotton, soybean, tobacco, cassava
Fruit Trees
Citrus, avocado, mango, papaya

Economic Impact

Global economic losses and management costs

0
Million USD Losses
0
Host Plant Species
0
Viruses Transmitted
0
Countries Affected

Learn About Control Methods

Explore integrated pest management strategies, biological controls, and sustainable solutions for whitefly management.

View Control Methods