Whiteflies in Chilli (Thella Doma) – A Serious Pest Threat

Whiteflies in Chilli (Thella Doma) – A Serious Pest Threat

Telugu name: Thella doma

Scientific name: Bemisia tabaci

Identification of pest

Egg: Pear shaped, light yellowish, stalked

Nymph: On hatching - Oval, scale-like, greenish white

Adult: White, tiny, scale-like adults


Life cycle:

Egg: Oval, white eggs are laid on the underside of leaves.

Nymph: Once hatched, they begin feeding on plant sap. The nymphs are immobile and develop into a more mature form.

Pupa: The nymphs mature into a pupa stage where they do not feed but transform into adults.

Adult: Whiteflies are tiny, winged adults that move by flying. They are typically white in color, with wings that have a powdery appearance.

SYMPTOMS

  • Nymphs and adults suck the sap usually from the under-surface of the leaves.
  • Chlorotic spots develops on leaves and leaves becomes yellow in colour.
  • Downward curling and drying of leaves.
  • It also transmits the leaf curl virus. 

FAVORABLE CONDITIONS 

  • Whiteflies prefer warm environments, typically between 25-30°C (77-86°F). Hot, sunny weather encourages their growth and reproduction.

Economic Threshold Level (ETL)

Control measures should be initiated if:

  • 5-10 whiteflies per leaf on average.

MANAGEMENT

  • Cultural Practices:
  • Whiteflies can be effectively attracted and controlled by yellow sticky traps.
  • Remove alternate weed host Abutilon indicum.
  • Uproot and destroy the diseased leaf curl plants.
  • Use nitrogen and irrigation judiciously.
  • Use resistant varieties of chili when available.


Biological Control:

  • Introduce natural predators such as Encarsia formosa (a parasitic wasp), which feed on whiteflies and their nymphs.


Chemical Control:

  • Apply carbofuran 3% G @ 40 kg /ha
  • For effective control of whiteflies bio pesticides like Dr. Eliminator 250ml/acre can be used.

FAQ’S

1.How do we identify whiteflies in chilli plant?

Nymphs and adults suck the sap usually from the under-surface of the leaves.Chlorotic spots develops on leaves and leaves becomes yellow in colour.Downward curling and drying of leaves.

2.How can we naturally control whiteflies?

Use yellow sticky traps to catch them or spray neem oil on the leaves. Introducing natural predators like ladybugs also works well.

3. What damage can whiteflies cause to chilli plants?

They weaken plants by sucking sap, causing yellowing and leaf drop. The sticky residue they leave promotes fungal infections like sooty mold.

4.What are the chemical treatments to control whiteflies in chilli plants?

For effective control of whiteflies bio pesticides like Dr. Eliminator 250ml/acre can be used.

5.What is the ETL level for whiteflies in chilli plants?

5-10 whiteflies per leaf on average.

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