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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Charleston, South Carolina » Vegetable Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #416060
Research Project: Basic and Applied Approaches for Pest Management in Vegetable Crops

Location: Vegetable Research

Title: Integrated management system of the whitefly Bemisia tabaci: a review

Author
item KAVALLIERATOS, NICKOLAS - Agricultural University Of Athens
item WAKIL, WAQAS - University Of Agriculture - Pakistan
item ELEFTHERIADOU, NIKOLETA - Senckenberg German Entomological Institute
item GHAZANFAR, MUHAMMAD - University Of Sargodha
item EL-SHAFIE, HAMADTTU - King Faisal University
item Simmons, Alvin
item DIMASE, MARCELO - University Of Florida
item SMITH, HUGH - University Of Florida
item CHANDLER, DAVE - University Of Warwick

Submitted to: Entomologia Generalis
Publication Type: Review Article
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/28/2024
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: The sweetpotato whitefly (also called silverleaf whitefly or tobacco whitefly), is a major global pest of diverse food and ornamental crops in both field and greenhouse environments. These whiteflies damage crops when they suck sap from the leaves, and crop damage also occurs after the whiteflies transmit plant viruses. This review provides background information about whitefly pests, current control options, as well as limitations of management strategies. This information will be useful to both scientists and the agricultural community for improving and implementing management strategies against whiteflies and whitefly-transmitted plant viruses.

Technical Abstract: Bemisia tabaci, commonly known as the sweetpotato whitefly, silverleaf whitefly, or tobacco whitefly, is a major global pest of dicotyledonous crops, causing direct damage through sap feeding and transmitting numerous plant viruses. Its high reproductive rate and broad host range contribute to substantial yield losses across multiple crop families, including Fabaceae, Cucurbitaceae, and Solanaceae. Despite extensive research into management strategies, effective and affordable control measures for B. tabaci remain elusive. This review highlights the socioeconomic challenges posed by B. tabaci and emphasizes the urgent need for innovative, integrated pest management strategies to mitigate its impact on global agriculture.