Whitefly populations remain concerning throughout central and southern Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline.
Despite low whitefly populations in watermelon in central Florida, virus incidence is in medium to high range.
In Southwest Florida, scouting reports indicate low whitefly populations in beans and watermelon. Virus incidence in watermelon is in the medium to high range despite low whitefly populations.
Whitefly numbers are reportedly low in cucumber in fields on the east coast.
Populations vary among different crops in the Homestead region. Scouts are reporting low numbers on green beans, though population levels are increasing in tomatoes. On a positive note, tomato yellow leaf curl virus has not been reported yet.
Whitefly Management
According to the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, whitefly management later in the season hinges on early suppression of whitefly populations with the best systemic materials like Venom, Sivanto, Prime and Verimark.
Effective cultural controls include avoid planting next to older, whitefly-infested crops. UV-reflective mulches can help delay the introduction of virus. Because fields can be hosts for whiteflies, they should be maintained weed free.
Proper scouting is vital to growers managing the silverleaf whitefly.