Be Proactive in Managing Silverleaf Whiteflies in Cotton

Aug 03, 2018

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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Video: Agriculture Secretary Rollins Speaks at American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Anaheim

One of the highlights at the 2026 American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Anaheim, California, was an address by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. During her remarks, she thanked America’s farmers and ranchers and said the Trump Administration is fully aware that food security is national security.

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Secretary Rollins said the Trump Administration is also committed to helping ranchers build back America’s cattle herd while also providing more high-quality U.S. beef at the meat case for consumers.

And she also announced more assistance for specialty crop producers who only received a fraction of the $12 billion Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA).

It’s important to note that producers who qualify for Farmer Bridge Assistance can expect the Farm Service Agency to start issuing payments in late February. For more information, farmers and ranchers are encouraged to contact their local USDA Service Center.