By Phillip Roberts
Silverleaf whitefly (SLWF) adults have been observed in low numbers in cotton in some areas of Georgia during the past 7-10 days. To date, very few immature whiteflies have been observed in cotton, and we are not aware of any field which has exceeded threshold for SLWF.
Most reports include observations of individuals or a few adults when searching plants for corn earworm. However, the presence of SLWF in a field is worth noting, and management of all insect pests must consider the presence of SLWF. All efforts should be made to minimize the need to treat SLWF with insecticide.
Management Considerations:
- Scout for the presence of SLWF adults. It is important to know if SLWF is present!
- Conserve beneficial insects. Do not apply insecticides for any pests unless thresholds are exceeded (beneficial insects will also suppress corn earworm).
- If SLWF is present in a field, avoid use of insecticides for other pests which are prone to flare SLWF.
- Scout fields frequently for adults and immatures once fields are infested with SLWF.
- Be timely with SLWF insecticides when thresholds are exceeded (many learned in 2017 that it is difficult to play catchup with SLWF).
- Be very aware of SLWF infestations in hairy leaf varieties and late planted cotton. These are high risk fields.
There is no question that agents, scouts, consultants, and growers are looking more closely for SLWF this year based on the problems we had in 2017. Historically, if we see SLWF in cotton during the month of July, we should anticipate problems with SLWF – especially on late planted fields – and manage appropriately.
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