Whiteflies are small, white sap-feeding insects commonly found on the underside of leaves. Both adults and larvae feed on plant sap, which can weaken plants and lead to yellowing, reduced growth and sticky honeydew deposits on leaves. Heavy infestations can encourage the development of sooty mould and reduce plant quality.

• Use yellow sticky traps positioned just above the crop canopy to monitor adult activity
• Inspect the undersides of leaves where adults and larvae are commonly found
• Look for signs of honeydew and sticky leaf surfaces, which can indicate feeding activity
• Check regularly during warm conditions, when populations can develop quickly

Regular monitoring allows whitefly populations to be detected early before they spread through the crop.

Whitefly can be controlled using a combination of parasitic wasps and predatory insects that target different life stages. Introducing biological controls early and maintaining regular monitoring helps keep populations under control and reduces the need for chemical intervention.