By Clint Thompson Alabama vegetable producers already thinking about their crop for next fall should be ready to combat whiteflies, says Andre da Silva, Alabama Extension vegetable specialist. Da Silva focused on whitefly management during a recent webinar. He believes the environmental conditions will be conducive for populations to be high this summer. “We are probably going to have a …
Cold Temperatures Did Not Eliminate Pepper Weevils, Whiteflies
By Clint Thompson Two insect pests of specialty crops in the Southeast were knocked back but not eliminated by the Christmas freeze event. Stormy Sparks, (UGA) Extension vegetable specialist, confirmed that pepper weevils and whiteflies are still a problem ahead of spring plantings despite multiple days of sub-freezing temperatures. “In whiteflies we killed a lot of adults. We probably did …
Early Season Insecticide Applications Key in Managing Whiteflies
By Clint Thompson Early season insecticide applications to manage whiteflies are key for Florida cucurbit growers hoping to manage this annual pest. Jawwad Qureshi, an entomologist at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, discussed the importance of not delaying treatments at the Citrus and Specialty Crop Expo. It could have disastrous results. “These are an important …
Whiteflies Non-Existent So Far This Season
By Clint Thompson Insect pests normally thrive in hot and dry weather conditions. But whiteflies have yet to flourish this year, though conditions are ripe for infestations to take off, according to Stormy Sparks, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension vegetable entomologist. “Surprisingly, we have not had whiteflies yet. The hot and dry weather is perfect for them, but apparently, we …
Whiteflies Impacting South Florida Vegetables
According to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline, adult whiteflies are in abundance in melons, eggplant, tomatoes and peppers around the Immokalee, Florida area. Immature whiteflies are active in older plantings. Wind, rain and cold temperatures knocked them back for a few days, but are expected to worsen again once temperatures improve. Whiteflies are present in pepper, tomato and …
UF/IFAS Research Helps Reduce Whiteflies in Tomatoes
QUINCY, Fla. — University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) researchers are helping tomato producers successfully manage whiteflies. Previous studies helped narrow scientists’ focus to a white clay, kaolin, and an essential oil, limonene. Each is approved by the Environmental Protection Agency for agricultural use. “These products are easily found and relatively inexpensive, and they can be …
Corteva Ridgeback™ Insecticide Effective Against Whiteflies
By Clint Thompson and Frank Giles Specialty crop producers can never have too many insecticides in their management system. Growers will soon be able to add a new insecticide to the toolbox from Corteva Agriscience. Ridgeback™ insecticide should provide farmers in the Southeast another weapon in the arsenal in their annual fight against one destructive pest, says Nathan Alonzo, product …
Increasing Infestations: Whiteflies Problematic Around Southwest Florida
Whitefly infestations are increasing around southwest Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Higher numbers of adults and immatures are being observed in older tomato plants. Populations are also reported to be transient in isolated locations, depending on wind direction. Pressure is also high in squash and cucumbers. Whitefly pressure is anywhere from low to moderate in …
Insecticide Rotation Key in Long-Term Management of Whiteflies
By Clint Thompson Insecticide rotation when managing whiteflies remains key to long-term success in the Southeast. It has to be if growers want to avoid insecticide resistance developing. Stormy Sparks, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension vegetable entomologist, believes farmers have improved in recent years in protecting their insecticides for the future. “The same chemistries that we rely on, primarily …
Whiteflies a Factor in South Florida Crops
Whiteflies are already being observed at high levels on tomatoes and watermelons in the South Florida region. According to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline, up to eight whitefly adults have been observed on melons in the Immokalee, Florida area. Scouts report between 15% to 60% of plants having one or multiple adults. It’s a similar scenario facing tomato …