Description:

• Whitefly infestation mainly occurs in warm and dry seasons and can be responsible for transmitting the leaf curl virus.
• Peak whitefly populations are reported in July under humid and hot conditions.

Damage Symptoms:

• Whiteflies cause damage by sucking the cell sap.
• Whiteflies secrete honeydew, leading to the formation of sooty mold on leaves.
• White chlorotic spots appear on the leaves.
• Severe infestation leads to leaf drop, reduction in fruiting, and poor crop quality.
• Whiteflies are a vector for the leaf curl virus.

Preventive Measures:

• Use yellow sticky traps.

Control Measures:

• Spray imidacloprid 0.5 ml/l or acetamiprid 0.2 g/l.
• Regular neem oil spray (1%) helps in managing the infestations