How to control and manage the Trialeurodes vaporariorum (whitefly)

Timing of Trapping

It is best to place traps for the first time when the pests are at low density to reduce the loss or at least 1 month before harvest and maintain traps between cropping cycles. Trapping during the post harvest period is important. During the post harvest period many males emerge from drying plants and the soil and their capture lowers pest pressure for the next crop cycle.

Trap selection

The yellow sticky card is most sensitive trap to use for mass trapping Trialeurodes vaporariorum.

Trap density 

For mass trapping about 100-150 traps per hectare would be for open fields.

Hang the trap about 15-20cm above the crops. The height depends on the plant.

Peripheral dense, thin in the middle.

Pay attention to the wind direction. Put more at the place where wind come from.

Lures

Lures can be changed every 6-8 weeks to get the most accurate results.

Replace the traps when the sticky card is full of insects.

Lures handling 

Pheromone lures are very sensitive tool. They can be affected by exposure to elevated heat and direct sunshine. Direct touching by hand may cause cross contamination leading to mixed catches in the trap. Some contaminants such as Nicotine may have repellent effect reducing trap catch.

Lure Storage

In cool dry place, the shelf life is 12 months.

In refrigerator under -5~-15 degree, the shelf life is 24 months up.