Identifying whiteflies on Tomato
Tiny white, moth-like insects that fly up in a cloud when the plant is disturbed, with sticky honeydew and sooty mould often visible on leaves below infested growth.
Life cycle
Eggs laid on leaf undersides. Multiple generations per year. Thrive in warm temperatures.
Damage to Tomato
Whiteflies sap-suck on the undersides of leaves, weakening the plant and reducing vigour, while their honeydew coats lower leaves and fruit in sticky residue that attracts sooty mould.
How to treat whiteflies on Tomato
Use yellow sticky traps to catch adults, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to the undersides of leaves where they congregate, and remove heavily infested lower leaves.
Preventing whiteflies on Tomato
Inspect the undersides of leaves regularly, especially in warm weather when populations build quickly, and use reflective mulch to deter adults from landing.