Symptoms
White flying insects when foliage is disturbed. Yellowing leaves, honeydew, sooty mold. Vector for viral diseases including Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus.
Prevention
Use yellow sticky traps for monitoring. Install insect-proof netting (mesh 50). Avoid planting susceptible crops near infested areas. Remove crop residues.
Treatment
Organic
Apply neem oil spray. Use Beauveria bassiana biological control. Introduce Encarsia formosa parasitoid. Spray insecticidal soap.
Chemical (last resort)
Apply spiromesifen or cyantraniliprole. Rotate chemical groups to prevent resistance. Follow PHI strictly for edible crops.
Affects 4 crops
Sources
MARDI Pest Guide; DOA Extension Bulletin