About Trialeurodes vaporariorum

Greenhouse whitefly Trialeurodes vaporariorum are found predominantly in temperate regions but have a worldwide distribution. They are known to be vectors for hundreds of plant viruses [1,2], while also being resistant to a number of different insecticide groups. T. vaporariorum are primary insect pests for many agricultural and horticultural crops including fruits, vegetables and ornamental flowers. Adults are ~1.5 mm long but range 1-2 mm in length, white and are said to resemble tiny moths. The wings are a pale yellow, held relatively flat in relation to the leaf surface and are coated with a pure white waxy bloom giving them a 'dusted' appearance.

T. vaporariorum are closely related to another group of important agricultural pests the 'silverleaf whitefly' (Bemisia tabaci). Although less prominent disease vectors relative to Bemisia; T. vaporariorum genomic resources are invaluable to further develop the understanding of insect-arbovirus biology and development of integrated global pest management systems.

Picture credit: Image obtained via Wikimedia Commons. Original image supplied by Dr. Guido Bohne.

Taxonomy ID 88556

Data source Chinese_academy_of_agricultural_science_institute_of_vegetables_and_flowers

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