Long-spined whitefly

Taxonomic position. Bemisia longispina belongs to the order Hemiptera and the family Aleyrodidae. It is recognized as a significant pest in agricultural settings, particularly in greenhouses. Due to its adaptation to warm climates and controlled environments, it presents a persistent challenge for modern crop management strategies.

Host plants. The species exhibits a wide range of host plants, primarily targeting vegetables and ornamental plants. Crops such as tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and various floral species are highly susceptible to infestation. The pest thrives in environments where these host plants are grown in high density, facilitating rapid spreading.

Biology and life cycle. The life cycle of Bemisia longispina includes egg, nymphal stages, puparium, and adult stages. The female lays eggs on the underside of leaves. The nymphs, or "crawlers," are mobile only at the first stage, after which they settle to feed. The optimal development conditions are high temperatures and humidity, leading to overlapping generations throughout the year.

Damage and harmfulness. The primary injury is caused by direct sap-feeding, which leads to plant stunting and chlorosis. The excretion of honeydew promotes the growth of sooty mold, which prevents effective photosynthesis and degrades fruit quality. Additionally, the pest acts as a vector for various plant viruses, significantly impacting the overall health and yield of the crops.

• Monitoring pest populations using yellow sticky traps as an early warning system.
• Implementation of biological control agents such as predatory wasps and mites.
• Targeted application of insecticides, rotating chemical groups to mitigate resistance.
• Strict sanitation protocols, including the removal of infested plant residues.
• Maintaining optimal greenhouse microclimate conditions to discourage mass reproduction.