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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 Q biotype Bemisia tabaci species complex
- the Australian native (AN), biotype Bemisia tabaci species complex, also known as the cotton whitefly.
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.
Q and B biotypes pose 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, Q and B can multiply on an area-wide scale to a point where management with insecticides is difficult. It is not possible to separate the three 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: DPI&F Entomology Team
Page maintained by Sue O'Brien
Last reviewed 21 April 2009
