Damage Symptoms:

Leaf Yellowing/Chlorosis: Whiteflies feed on plant sap, causing leaves to turn yellow or develop chlorotic (pale green) spots. 

Premature Defoliation/Boll Dropping: Severe infestations can cause leaves and bolls to drop prematurely. 

Sooty Mould: The honeydew (sticky substance) excreted by whiteflies can lead to the growth of sooty mould, a black fungus that reduces photosynthetic activity. 

• Malformed Fruit: Whitefly feeding can cause fruit to develop irregularly, with delayed ripening or internal discoloration. 
• Stunted Growth: Severe infestations can lead to stunted plant growth. 
• Transmission of Plant Viruses: Whiteflies are vectors for various plant viruses, including cotton leaf curl and tomato yellow leaf curl, which cause characteristic symptoms like leaf curling and distortion. 

Target Crops:

Whiteflies are known to infest a wide range of crops, including: 

• Vegetables: Chilli, tomato, papaya, okra, and various cole crops.
• Horticultural Crops: Many vegetables and ornamentals.
• Fruit Crops: Citrus, avocado, and mulberry.
• Field Crops: Cotton.
• Other Crops: Sugarcane, cassava, and many others.