Citrus whitefly

Systematic position. Paraleyrodes naranjae belongs to the order Hemiptera and the family Aleyrodidae. It is recognized as a significant pest of citrus crops, capable of causing substantial economic damage due to its feeding habits and the secondary infections it facilitates within commercial orchards.

Host plants. This species primarily infests various species of the genus Citrus. While it thrives on citrus trees such as lemons, oranges, and limes, it can occasionally be found on other broad-leaved evergreen plants located near orchards, which may serve as alternative hosts during off-seasons.

Biology and life cycle. The life cycle consists of the egg, four nymphal stages, and the adult stage. The adults are tiny, moth-like insects with wings covered in a white, powdery wax. The development speed is highly dependent on ambient temperature, with warmer climates accelerating the lifecycle and allowing for multiple overlapping generations within a single growing season.

Damage and economic impact. Paraleyrodes naranjae feeds by piercing plant tissues and extracting sap. This leads to yellowing (chlorosis), stunted growth, and reduced fruit quality. Furthermore, the honeydew secreted by the nymphs promotes the growth of sooty mold, which blocks sunlight from leaves and covers the fruit, reducing marketability and increasing labor costs for cleaning.

• Application of systemic insecticides at specific stages of the whitefly life cycle.
• Utilization of yellow sticky traps to monitor adult flight and population density.
• Introduction of natural predators and parasitoids to maintain a balanced ecosystem.
• Pruning practices aimed at improving canopy airflow and light penetration.
• Strict monitoring of nursery stock and quarantine measures to prevent the spread of infestations.