Rugose Spiraling Whitefly
The Rugose Spiraling Whitefly originated in Central America. This is not the same whitefly that is currently causing defoliation and branch dieback of ficus in South Florida. These whiteflies are small winged insects. They typically feed on the underside of leaves with their needle-like mouthparts. Whiteflies can seriously injure host plants by sucking nutrients from the plant causing wilting, yellowing, stunting, leaf drop, or even death.
The Rugose Spiraling Whitefly has a very broad host range from palms to woody ornamentals and fruits. It has been seen on gumbo limbo, black olive, copperleaf, broadleaf arrowhead, Brazilian pepper, wax myrtle, live oak, mango, and several palms.
The adults congregate on the undersides of the leaves to feed and reproduce. The female lays here eggs in a spiral pattern on the leaves and also deposits a white, waxy substance on the eggs. The crawler stage hatches from the eggs and crawls around before it starts to feed with its “needle-like” mouthparts. This stage is very small and difficult to see.
The most noticeable symptoms of an infestation of this whitefly is the abundance of white, waxy material covering the leaves and also excessive black sooty mold. The actual effect of an infestation of Rugose Spiraling Whitefly on the health of a plant is unknown; however, whiteflies in general can cause plant decline, defoliation and branch dieback.
Monitor plants for early signs of an infestation. Small potted plants can be washed off with water. Larger plants can be controlled with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap or most likely will need an insecticide spraying and root drenching by a professional lawn pest control company to control these whiteflies. They will use a systemic insecticide product that can be applied directly to the infested plant or the soil.
Collier Pest Control, Southwest Florida’s Pest Authority, will treat each infected tree with the appropriate materials by root feeding and by direct contact. These materials will protect each tree for a period of 6 months after application.
If you suspect a problem with the Rugose Spiraling Whitefly or any other insect call our office, 239-455-4300, for a complete explanation on any of our services, or look us up on our web site at collierpestcontrol.com Remember Florida does not have to be shared with insects.
Posted via OnFast - http://www.OnFast.com
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