Silverleaf Whitefly (Bemisia tabaci)

Tiny But Troublesome: A Major Virus Vector in Vegetable Crops

Though only a few millimeters long, the Silverleaf Whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) is a major agricultural pest, especially in tropical and subtropical regions. This insect not only feeds on plant sap but also transmits devastating plant viruses such as Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus (TYLCV)—a serious threat to tomato production and other crops.

Basic Information

• Common Name: Silverleaf Whitefly
• Scientific Name:Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius)
• Family: Aleyrodidae
• Order: Hemiptera

Morphology & Biology

• Body Size: 0.8–1.2 mm
• Body Color: Pale yellow
• Wings: White and slightly reflective, membranous
• Antennae: Filiform (thread-like)
• Mouthparts: Piercing-sucking
• Legs: Walking legs
• Eyes: Red or black

Behavior:

• Highly gregarious
• Disperse rapidly when disturbed

Life Cycle (Incomplete Metamorphosis)

• Duration: 3–4 days
• Oval-shaped, pale yellow
• Laid on the underside of leaves
• Size: 0.1–0.3 mm

• Duration: 11–18 days
• Flat, scale-like, remains attached to the leaf
• Undergoes 3 molts

• Lives 11–12 days
• Capable of reproducing parthenogenetically (without mating)

Total life cycle: ~18–28 days

Host Plants & Feeding Damage

Common Hosts:

• Solanaceae: Chili, tomato, eggplant, tobacco
• Malvaceae: Cotton, okra
• Fabaceae: Soybean

Damage Symptoms:

• Sap extraction weakens plants and causes leaf yellowing
• Transmits viruses such as Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus (TYLCV)
• Severe infestations cause leaf curling, chlorosis, reduced photosynthesis, and stunted growth

Geographic Distribution

Bemisia tabaci is widespread across tropical and subtropical regions globally.
It causes serious outbreaks in areas growing tomatoes, sweet potatoes, chili, and cotton.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Strategies

✅ Regular Field Monitoring

• Remove infested leaves early to reduce population build-up

✅ Sticky Traps

• Use yellow sticky traps to capture adult whiteflies
• Suitable for greenhouses and small farms

✅ Seed Treatment

• Treat seeds with Carbosulfan (Pos 25% ST)
• Rate: 40 g per 1 kg of seeds

✅ Targeted Insecticide Use

• Application rate: 40 mL per 20 liters of water
• Rotate chemical classes to delay resistance

✅ Biological Control

• Apply Beauveria bassiana and Paecilomyces spp.
• Controls both eggs and nymphs
• Spray every 7 days; safe for consumers and the environment

✅ Conclusion

The Silverleaf Whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) may be small, but its impact on agriculture is immense—causing both direct damage through sap-feeding and indirect damage as a virus vector. A well-rounded IPM approach combining chemical, cultural, and biological controls is essential for sustainable pest management and long-term crop protection.