Silverleaf Whitefly detected in East Gippsland
Effective 1 August 2021, Silverleaf Whitefly (Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) biotype B) has been detected in East Gippsland and as such is now considered an established pest in Victoria.
Victoria had previously maintained an area freedom program for the pest except for a 50km radius around the townships of Murchison, Shepparton and Gilleston.
However, these recent detections indicate that it is now more broadly established across Victoria.
Producers consigning SLW host or carrier material to a sensitive interstate market including Western Australia and Tasmania must now ensure consignments are treated in accordance with movement conditions set by these markets.
The SWF has a broad host range of more than 600 plant species including solanaceous vegetables (tomatoes, eggplant), cucurbits, brassicas (cabbage and broccoli), lettuce and beans. Adults and eggs are commonly found on the underside of young leaves.
Eggs tend to be deposited in circular groups and when leaves are disturbed in infested crops, clouds of white flying insects indicate their presence.
As an aphid-like pest, they are a biosecurity threat as they are capable of spreading damaging viruses.
To manage infestations, research recommends minimising a build-up of old crops and weeds, integrating parasitic wasps into the system and where possible choosing virus resistant varieties, as it has an ability to quickly develop resistance to insecticides.
Image: Agriculture Victoria
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