Skip to main content
ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #324538
Research Project: Exotic Whitefly Pests of Vegetables and Ornamental Plants

Location: Location not imported yet.

Title: Florida exotic whitefly invaders from the last decade

Author
item McKenzie, Cindy
item Dickey, Aaron
item STOCKS, IAN - Florida Department Of Agriculture And Consumer Services
item KUMAR, VIVEK - University Of Florida
item OSBORNE, LANCE - University Of Florida

Submitted to: International Congress of Entomology
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/12/2016
Publication Date: 9/27/2016
Citation: McKenzie, C.L., Dickey, A.M., Stocks, I., Kumar,V., Osborne, L.S. 2016. Florida exotic whitefly invaders from the last decade[abstract]. International Congress of Entomology. September 25-30, 2016, Orlando, Florida. doi:10.1603/ICE.2016.93962

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The state of Florida hosts a large number of exotic species with many new “invasives” arriving annually. Among invasive insects establishing in Florida over the past decade are three whiteflies (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) that cause highly visible wax and sooty mold buildup in urban plantings as well as defoliation; the fig whitefly (FW) Singhiella simplex Singh (subfamily Aleyrodinae), the rugose spiraling whitefly (RSW) Aleyrodicus rugioperculatus Martin, and Bondar’s nesting whitefly (BNW) Paraleyrodes bondari Peracchi (both subfamily Aleurodicinae). These three species have been established in Florida since 2007, 2009, and 2011 respectively. While FW feeds primarily on Ficus benjamina in Florida it is recorded from 4 species of Ficus. RSW and BNW have broader host ranges including plants in the genera Ficus, Psidium, Annona, Pouteria (BNW) and 32 genera in 12 plant families (RSW). The apparent preference of BNW for F. benjamina in Florida, a host not in the literature, suggests BNW may represent a cryptic species complex and underscores the importance of accurate pest identification when developing treatment plans. Aleurotrachelus trachoides is an established exotic whitefly: single detection 1935, 1980s reappeared, now causing new problems in Florida over the past decade and deserves attention. Another more internationally recognized whitefly, Bemisia tabaci biotype Q or MED was detected in Florida for the first time in 2005 and has subsequently become established within some greenhouse nurseries in the state, but has never been detected in open field production. Discussions on the historical perspective, life history, biology, molecular makers, biological/chemical control will be presented.