Whitefly adult

Whitefly pupa (IANR photos by Jim Kalisch

August 3, 2007

We have received numerous reports of whiteflies in eastern Nebraska soybeans. Whiteflies have been observed in Nebraska soybeans before, but they seem to be more numerous this summer.

Although economic loss caused by sweetpotato whitefly has been reported in the southern United States (e.g. Florida), we have not seen economic loss in the Midwest. Previous research indicates that the whiteflies we are seeing in Nebraska soybeans are the greenhouse whitefly, although it is possible that other species also may occur.

Whiteflies are sucking insects that feed on plant juices in both the immature and adult stages. The adult stage is about 1/16 inch long, with four whitish wings and a yellowish body. The wings are held roof-like over the body and are more or less parallel to the leaf surface. The adults are easily disturbed and often fly up as you walk through a field. The nymphs feed on the undersides of leaves. They are flattened and look like scale insects.

There are no published economic thresholds for greenhouse whiteflies in soybeans, and from all indications, the soybean aphid is probably the greater concern in Nebraska soybeans.

Tom Hunt
Extension Entomologist
Haskell Ag Lab, NEREC
Bob Wright
Extension Entomologist, Lincoln