White Fly

Aleurothrixus trachoides

White Fly

Aleurothrixus trachoides

White Fly

Aleurothrixus trachoides

White Fly

Aleurothrixus trachoides

Capsicum whitefly, Aleurothrixus trachoides, is a small flying insect in the Order Hemiptera, known for its impact on a wide range of plants, particularly those in the Solanaceae (e.g., tomatoes, capsicum, eggplant, and chili) and Convolvulaceae (e.g., morning glory) families. It affects over 70 horticultural crops globally and is recognized as an economic pest in regions like the United States and India, where it causes stunted plant growth and reduced fruit production.

Life Stages:

1. Adults: Small (1-2 mm), white, flying insects with wings covered in a white waxy layer.
2. Nymphs: There are four nymphal stages:
   • First-stage nymphs are flat, oval, yellow, and mobile but stay on the leaf.
   • Second to fourth-stage nymphs are attached to the leaf and covered in cottony white filaments, turning black at the end of their development.
3. Eggs: Laid on the underside of leaves in circular masses. Newly laid eggs are oblong, tiny, and translucent, turning yellow to greyish-brown as they mature.

Plant Affected Parts and Stages:

• Capsicum whitefly can affect plants at any growth stage.
• Adults prefer feeding on new shoots.
• It infests leaves, fruit, flowers, and stems, leading to noticeable white waxy material and sooty mould on leaves.

Plant Damage:

• Both adults and nymphs pierce plant tissue to feed on sap, producing large amounts of sugary honeydew.
• Honeydew promotes the growth of sooty moulds, which hinder photosynthesis, reducing plant health and vitality.
• Damage from feeding and mould growth can significantly weaken the plant, causing stunted growth, poor fruit production, and, in severe cases, plant death.

Preferred Hosts and Affected Crops: Capsicum whitefly is polyphagous, feeding on over 33 plant families, with a preference for Solanaceae and Convolvulaceae species. Crops most affected include:

• Capsicum (chili and bell peppers)
• Tomatoes
• Eggplant
• Sweet potato
• Celery
• Avocado
• Tobacco
• Rose Ornamental plants, such as Duranta repens (Geisha Girl) and Duranta erecta (Golden Dewdrop), are also susceptible.

Life Cycle: The whitefly undergoes six life stages: egg, four larval instars, and adult. The full development from egg to adult takes about 29 days under standard conditions (25°C, 65% RH).

• Eggs hatch into first instar nymphs 8 days after being laid.
• Nymphs progress through second, third, and fourth instars in 21 days.
• Adults emerge after the fourth instar. In warmer climates, all life stages can be present year-round, whereas in cooler months, the number of whiteflies declines.

Conclusion: Capsicum whitefly is a major pest of several horticultural and ornamental plants, causing significant damage through its feeding habits and the development of sooty moulds. Control measures are crucial, especially in regions where it is prevalent year-round.