Dicyphus predatory bug for silverleaf whitefly
In a Florida greenhouse tomato trial, three weekly releases of 1–3 adults per plant with a mullein banker plant cut sweetpotato whitefly nymphs by up to 60 % (the three rates did not differ significantly), but the authors judged it may be insufficient as a sole strategy. A 2018 trial found that adding the parasitoid Eretmocerus eremicus gave better and more cost-effective control than the predator alone.
Before you order
The native North American whitefly predator for greenhouse tomato, and the US counterpart of the European Macrolophus. It builds slowly, feeds on the plant as well as on prey, and in trials helped but was not enough on its own. How it works, how to tell it has established and the supplier list are on the full Dicyphus hesperus profile.
How many do I need?
Area and infestation level in; quantity, cost and a weekly schedule out. Open the calculator →
Other controls for silverleaf whitefly
- Amblyseius swirskiiPredatory mite · 25–100 /m² per release (UF/IFAS); Koppert's range runs to 300 /m²; or sachets
- Eretmocerus eremicusWhitefly parasitoid · 1–10 /m² per release, weekly, at least 3 releases
- Delphastus catalinaePredatory ladybird · 10 per infested plant or 100 per hot spot, weekly for 3–4 weeks
- Big-eyed bugsWild predator · wild, attract it
- Beauveria bassiana strain GHAMicrobial insecticide (fungus) · Label rate — ½–1 qt per 100 gal (BotaniGard ES / Mycotrol ES) or ½–1 lb (22WP)