Whiteflies in Vegetable Crops: Symptoms and Control Tips

What Are Whiteflies? Whiteflies are tiny, winged insects that feed on plant sap and can cause significant damage to vegetable crops.

Yellowing leaves may begin to discolor and wilt, while affected plants often exhibit stunted growth, showing reduced vigor and overall health.

Symptom 1

Symptom 2

Honeydew creates a sticky residue on leaves that attracts sooty mold, which can block sunlight and look for insects on the undersides of the leaves.

Control Tip 1

Engage in regular monitoring by checking plants and practice crop rotation by changing planting areas yearly to disrupt whitefly life cycles.

Control Tip 2

Introduce natural predators such as beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings and employ yellow sticky traps to catch adult whiteflies.

Control Tip 3

Apply insecticidal soap to affected plants to suffocate pests, and use neem oil, a natural pesticide that disrupts whitefly reproduction.

Conclusion

Whiteflies can pose a serious threat to your vegetable crops, but with early detection and proactive management, you can protect your garden.

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