Whitefly Pressure Increasing in Florida

Web AdminFlorida, Pests

Whitefly pressure is intensifying in regions across south Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Populations have increased significantly in central Florida, reaching moderate to elevated levels in older plants of squash and cucumber. High levels of nymphs and eggs are also being observed, which indicates the potential for a population boom. Moderate levels are also reported …

Whitefly Populations Vary Across Florida

Web AdminFlorida, Pests

Whitefly populations are high in some areas in the southern region of Florida, while low in other spots, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Populations are increasing but are still low in tomatoes and squash in central Florida. Higher levels of adults and nymphs are reported in tomatoes, melons and squash in southwest Florida. Whitefly populations range …

Whitefly Pressure Varies Across Florida

Web AdminFlorida, Pests, Tomatoes

Whiteflies are increasing to high levels in Southwest Florida, which is normal this time of year. It is especially true for older tomato plants and melon crops, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. However, population levels are much lower in other areas, including in tomato and squash plants in central Florida. Whiteflies have only been observed occasionally …

Cold Weekend Helps with Pest Control

Web AdminFlorida, Pests, Weather

By Clint Thompson Sub-freezing temperatures this past weekend impacted specialty crop production across the Southeast. But they also helped producers with managing the pest populations, specifically whiteflies. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, discusses the significance that the cold temperatures had on the pest. “This is …

Whiteflies Impacting South Florida Vegetables

Web AdminFlorida, Pests

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

Web AdminFlorida, Pests, Research, 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

Web AdminAlabama, Florida, Georgia, Pests

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 …