Whitefly populations are increasing across multiple areas in southern Florida. According to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline, scouts, consultants and producers report whiteflies started strong in central Florida, but spray programs have kept them at a constant level.
Moderate levels of nymphs are showing up in early crops across Southwest Florida. Reports indicate populations are increasing in tomatoes, watermelons and cucumbers. Populations in squash are low but increasing.
Scouts report whitefly populations remain low in the Everglades Agricultural Area.
Along the east coast, low whitefly levels are observed in tomato and eggplant. Moderate levels are reported in squash with some silver-leaf injury.
Low populations are reported on tomato, eggplant, beans and squash in Homestead, Florida. There is silver-leaf injury reported in squash.