Whiteflies — UK Commercial Species Index
Whiteflies are small sap-feeding insects that can cause direct feeding damage, honeydew, sooty mould and virus transmission in protected and outdoor crops.
Correct identification matters because different whitefly species vary in host range, virus risk, biological control suitability and commercial importance.
Why Whitefly Identification Matters
Quick Species Comparison
| Species | Main Crops | Virus Risk | UK Importance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glasshouse Whitefly (Trialeurodes vaporariorum) | Tomatoes, cucumbers, ornamentals | Low | Very High |
| Tobacco Whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) | Vegetables, ornamentals | Very High | Moderate |
| Cabbage Whitefly (Aleyrodes proletella) | Brassicas | Low | Moderate |
| Citrus Whitefly (Dialeurodes citri) | Citrus | Low | Low |
Whitefly species differ in:
- Preferred crops
- Temperature tolerance
- Virus transmission risk
- Resistance risk
- Suitability for biological control
- Behaviour on leaves and crop structures
In commercial crops, whitefly management usually depends on early monitoring, good crop hygiene and preventative biological control.
Glasshouse Whitefly (Trialeurodes vaporariorum)
Glasshouse whitefly is one of the most common whitefly pests in UK protected horticulture.
Common names: Glasshouse Whitefly / Greenhouse Whitefly
Scientific name: Trialeurodes vaporariorum
Commonly affected crops include:
- Tomatoes
- Cucumbers
- Ornamentals
- Herbs
- Strawberries
- Protected soft fruit
It is often found on the undersides of leaves where adults, scales and pupae develop.
Tobacco Whitefly (Bemisia tabaci)
Tobacco whitefly is a major global pest and an important virus vector.
Common names: Tobacco Whitefly / Silverleaf Whitefly
Scientific name: Bemisia tabaci
It is especially important because of its ability to transmit damaging plant viruses and its history of resistance development.
It is most relevant in protected crops, imported plant material and high-risk ornamental or vegetable systems.
Cabbage Whitefly (Aleyrodes proletella)
Cabbage whitefly is mainly associated with brassica crops.
Common names: Cabbage Whitefly
Scientific name: Aleyrodes proletella
Common hosts include:
- Kale
- Brussels sprouts
- Cabbage
- Broccoli
- Other brassicas
It is usually more important in outdoor field crops than protected glasshouse systems.
Citrus Whitefly (Dialeurodes citri)
Citrus whitefly is mainly associated with citrus and related hosts.
Common names: Citrus Whitefly
Scientific name: Dialeurodes citri
It may be relevant in:
- Citrus collections
- Conservatories
- Specialist protected production
- Ornamental citrus plants
Whitefly Virus Transmission
Some whitefly species are important virus vectors.
This is especially relevant for Bemisia tabaci, which can transmit several serious plant viruses in vegetable and ornamental crops.
Virus risk is highest where:
- Infected plant material is introduced
- Whitefly populations establish early
- Crops are held for long periods
- Hygiene and weed control are poor
- Nearby host plants act as reservoirs
Key Whitefly Biological Controls
Whitefly biological control often uses a combination of parasitoids, predators and crop management.
Important beneficials include:
Biological control works best when introduced early, before whitefly populations build up heavily.
Commonly Affected Crops
- Tomatoes
- Cucumbers
- Strawberries
- Herbs
- Ornamentals
- Brassicas
Related Whitefly Resources
- Whitefly
- Aphids — UK Commercial Species Index
- Encarsia formosa
- Amblyseius swirskii
- Macrolophus pygmaeus
- Whitefly Control