Symptoms
Although tiny, whiteflies are clearly visible on plants, and you will easily be able to make an accurate diagnosis if these pests have infested any of your ornamentals -- just think “flying dandruff.” As the pests suck juices from plant leaves, buds, and stems the plants weaken, and the leaves turn yellow and die. Fruit and leaves may be covered with shiny, sticky honeydew, and a black sooty mold fungus may grow on the honeydew. Fruits may be undersized and poorly colored.
Trap A Few Culprits For Diagnosis
Yellow sticky traps, often used to control aphids, also attract white flies. We offer a selection of aphid sticky traps in Yardener's Tool Shed; click here
Plants Affected
Fruits and vegetables attacked by whiteflies:
| Food Crops | ||
|---|---|---|
| Avocado | Cantaloupe | Carrot |
| Citrus | Cucumber | Eggplant |
| Gourds | Grapes | Lettuce |
| Peas | Pepper | Potato |
| Sage | Squash | Strawberry |
| Sweet potato | Tomato | Watermelon |
Ornamentals
Ornamentals attacked by whiteflies:
| Food Crops | ||
|---|---|---|
| Avocado | Cantaloupe | Carrot |
| Citrus | Cucumber | Eggplant |
| Gourds | Grapes | Lettuce |
| Peas | Pepper | Potato |
| Sage | Squash | Strawberry |
| Sweet potato | Tomato | Watermelon |