Whitefly infestations in South Florida range from low populations to high populations, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline.
Pressure is low to moderate depending on the crop and location in the central part of the state.
Pressure is extremely high on all crops in southwest Florida. Frequent sprays have helped manage the pests, but adults are continuing to migrate in. Some older fields have a moderate to high levels of nymphs developing.
Whitefly pressure is low to medium in the Everglades Agricultural Area but is expected to increase over the next several weeks. Low pressure was observed in multiple crops on the east coast.
Dak Seal, scientists at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences at Tropical Research and Education Center, reported high levels of whiteflies in beans, squash, eggplant and pepper.
Whiteflies cause feeding injury issues in vegetables and transmit two new viruses: cucurbit leaf crumple virus and cucurbit yellow stunting disorder virus. Vegetables like squash, zucchini, cucumber, cantaloupe and snap beans are highly susceptible to these viruses.