Management
Whitefly may be present on weeds so keep the area around crops free of weeds.
Check crops for whitefly during weekly pest monitoring.
Whitefly will cause damage only when present in high numbers.
Several species of whitefly can be pests in potato and cabbage crops. Some of these have a reputation for developing resistance to insecticides so careful consideration is required as to whether infestations require insecticide use and whether natural enemies may control an infestation.
If insecticides are used, delay or avoid insecticide resistance by alternating insecticides with different modes of action.
Natural enemies of whitefly include wasp parasitoids, and predators such as lacewing larvae, ladybird beetles, hover flies, mites and spiders.
If whitefly numbers are high enough to cause crop wilting, insecticides should be applied. A range of contact, systemic and growth regulator insecticides will control whitefly and more than one application may be required to control heavy infestations.
Acknowledgment
Funding for this work to support Indonesian potato farmers and WA seed potato exports was provided by ACIAR (the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research) and the Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia.