The most recent release of the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline indicates whitefly pressure to be low in the region, except for some fields in Southwest Florida and in Homestead, Florida.
Scouts reported increasing population levels in the Immokalee area in various crops, including low to moderate levels in tomatoes, watermelon, eggplant, squash and cucumbers. Whitefly numbers are low in peppers, though levels are on the rise in watermelon and can vary depending on location. Nymphs are also increasing on some early and more mature crops.
Whitefly populations are mostly low in cucurbits in fields along the east coast.
Low but increasing whitefly population levels in tomatoes, cucumbers and squash are observed in Central Florida.
Scouts in Homestead, Florida, are reporting increased population levels in beans and tomatoes. Higher levels of whiteflies in tomatoes are causing additional tomato yellow leaf curl virus incidence. Populations are either at low or medium levels.