Topic: whitefly

[JAL]

Hi,

To my horror I have discovered an infestation of whitefly in my greenhouse.  I use the yellow sticky traps but they don't seem to be able to cope.  I am an organic gardener and don't know what to use to get rid of them.  Will I lose all my lovely peppers and chillies or does anyone out there know a quick and effective way to get rid of them?  Please help. :(

jal

[Multiveg]

For greenhouse infestations of whitefly, I seem to recall there is a biological thingywhatsit that will deal with them, though this won't be the quickest option. From a non-organic point of view - go down the garden centre and read the labels of the insecticides...

[tim]

Try the organic catalogue.

Some consider pyrethrins OK ('Nature's Answer'), or there's Greenco's fatty acids.
Or household soap sprayed with a strong jet.
Defenders will supply the parasites, but don't use NA before introducing them.

I've never known sticky traps catch anything but hoverflies. Don't forget they should be almost touching the tops of the plants. = Tim

PS Or even lower!

[Multiveg]

Second hand copy of "The Gardeners' World Handbook" -

Greenhouse whitefly are attracted to anything yellow, so hang up a yellow card covered with grease. You will find that they fly on to it and stick fast

[Jesse]

Whilst looking at my tomato plant today I noticed a whitefuly sitting on the plant. I squished him and then carefully inspected the plant expecting to find more. But cannot see any more. Is it likely that more will follow or is it possible to be lucky and have only the one. I'm not sure how whitefly arrive at the plant, do they hatch from eggs or do they fly from elsewhere.

[feet of clay]

I've got a row of marigolds guarding my toms.  I'm also growing basil - very scented - and this combination seems to have deterred unwelcome visitors.

[JAL]

Hi,

Thanks for all your advice.  I am off work tomorrow so will try a jet of water and more yellow traps much nearer the plants before I go off to garden centre in the afternoon to see what I can get.  The beasts are now settling on the earth round the plants - they must be breeding by the second.

jal

[tim]

May I just add a caveat?

Don't panic if you find whitefly-looking things that don't move. They're the shed skins of aphid. But, OK, you've got to deal with them! = Tim