Ten-spotted whitefly

Taxonomic classification. Dialeuropora decempuncta belongs to the order Hemiptera and the family Aleyrodidae. It is a specialized sap-sucking pest recognized for its significant impact on horticultural and ornamental crops in tropical and subtropical regions across the globe.

Host range. The pest primarily targets plants such as Ficus species, mango trees, citrus, and various greenhouse shrubs. Its ability to infest a wide range of evergreen plants makes it a constant threat to botanical gardens, nurseries, and intensive agricultural production systems.

Biology and lifecycle. The lifecycle consists of an egg stage, three distinct larval instars, and a puparium stage. Eggs are typically laid on the underside of leaves. The duration of the lifecycle is highly dependent on ambient temperature and relative humidity, often allowing the pest to complete multiple generations within a single growing season.

Damage and severity. Both nymphs and adults extract plant sap, leading to leaf chlorosis, curling, and premature leaf drop. Furthermore, the secretion of honeydew promotes the growth of sooty mold. This secondary infection covers the foliage, significantly inhibiting photosynthesis and reducing the overall vigor and yield of the infested plant.

Control measures. Managing Dialeuropora decempuncta requires an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach.

• Implement rigorous quarantine protocols for new plant materials.
• Use yellow sticky traps for population monitoring.
• Apply systemic insecticides during early infestation stages.
• Promote biological control through the introduction of parasitoid wasps and predators.