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Whitefly in field crops
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- Whiteflies - adults and nymph
The four types of whitefly found in Australia are:
- the greenhouse whitefly, Trialeurodes vaporariorum
- the silverleaf whitefly (SLW), or B biotype, Bemisia tabaci species complex
- the Australian native (AN), biotype Bemisia tabaci species complex, also known as the cotton whitefly.
- the Q biotype, Bemisia tabaci species complex.
The main distinguishing feature is the way they hold their wings. The greenhouse whitefly has overlapping wings that form a heart shape. The Bemisia species hold their powdery wings more like the roof of a house that does not quite meet at the apex.
B biotype poses a greater pest threat than other whitefly because of their greater host range, quicker reproductive rate, and ability to rapidly develop resistance to insecticides. Under hot conditions, B biotype can multiply on an area-wide scale to a point where management with insecticides is difficult. It is not possible to separate the two Bemisia tabaci biotypes in the field.
Further information
- Crop Insects: The Ute Guide Northern Grain Belt
- Pests of Field Crops and Pastures: Identification and Control. Editor: PT Bailey
Author: Entomology Team (Field Crops)
Page maintained by Sue O'Brien
Last reviewed 17 June 2010