Amblyseius swirskii
Amblyseius swirskii is a predatory mite used to control pests such as thrips, whiteflies, and spider mites. It is often used in organic agriculture because…
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Whiteflies
Whiteflies are small, winged insects that feed primarily on the undersides of leaves. They are common in greenhouses, gardens, and field crops, especially in warm and humid conditions. Whiteflies reproduce rapidly, with multiple overlapping generations per year, which allows populations to build up quickly. Both nymphs and adults feed by piercing plant tissues and sucking out the sap, weakening plants and affecting overall growth.
Whiteflies infest a wide variety of plants, including vegetables (tomatoes, cucurbits), fruit trees (citrus, apples), ornamentals, and greenhouse crops, making them a major pest in many horticultural systems. Their feeding not only removes vital nutrients from the plant but also produces honeydew, a sticky substance that can lead to secondary problems.
Recognize the signs of infestation
Check leaf undersides for clusters of white adults or nymphs. Sticky traps help detect early infestations.
- Yellowing leaves: Feeding by whiteflies removes nutrients, leading to yellow or pale leaves. The damage is often most visible on the lower or older leaves first.
- Wilting and stunted growth: Heavy infestations can weaken plants, causing slower growth, reduced vigor, or smaller overall size.
- Sticky residue (honeydew): Whiteflies excrete a sugary substance called honeydew, which coats leaves and stems. This can attract ants and promote secondary problems.
- Sooty mold growth: Honeydew can foster the development of black, sooty mold on leaves and stems. While the mold does not directly feed on the plant, it can block sunlight, reducing photosynthesis and further weakening the plant.
- Leaf drop or premature fruit drop: Severe infestations can lead to leaves or fruits falling off prematurely, affecting crop yield.
- Virus transmission: Whiteflies are vectors for numerous plant viruses, including Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus (TYLCV) and Cucurbit Yellow Stunting Disorder Virus (CYSDV). Infected plants may show yellowing, mottling, or distorted growth.
Our IPM Solution
Anystis baccarum
Anystis baccarum is a remarkable and voracious predatory mite capable of capturing its preys with ease. It feeds on a vast range of pest species,…
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Bug Box
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Chrysoperla carnea
Chrysoperla carnea is an essential predator in agricultural crops and gardens, providing natural pest control by consuming large numbers of aphids, thrips and whiteflies. With…
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Delphastus catalinae
Beneficial insect Delphastus catalinae is an excellent agent against whiteflies. This biological control product can be used for reducing infestations in ornamental greenhouse crops, vegetables…
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Dicyphus hesperus
Dicyphus hesperus is a beneficial insect ally for many farmers and greenhouses, successfully aiding in the control of whitefly and thrips infestations. This natural product…
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Encarsia formosa - bulk
For over 100 years, Encarsia formosa has provided a natural solution to pest problems in greenhouses. This parasitic wasp works actively and effectively against greenhouse…
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Encarsia formosa - cards
For over 100 years, Encarsia formosa has provided a natural solution to pest problems in greenhouses. This parasitic wasp works actively and effectively against greenhouse…
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Encarsia & Eretmocerus
For over 100 years, Encarsia formosa has provided a natural solution to pest problems in greenhouses. This parasitic wasp works actively and effectively against greenhouse…
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Eretmocerus eremicus
Due to its resistance to pesticides and to higher temperatures, Eretmocerus eremicus is incredibly effective against the greenhouse whitefly Trialeurodes vaporariorum or the tobacco whitefly…
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Nabis americoferus
Nabis americoferus, also known as the Damsel bug, possess well-developed piercing-sucking mouthparts and spiny, raptorial front legs, which they use for capturing prey. Both nymphs…
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Orius insidiosus
Orius insidiosus is a small predatory bug that measures 2-2.5mm long. It is black in colour with white wing patches and oval shaped. The adults…
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Yellow sticky traps
Keep your greenhouses protected from unwelcome pest intruders with yellow sticky traps. An easy, non-toxic solution to manage infestations quickly and effectively!
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