Identification

• The silverleaf whitefly is a pest of both greenhouse-grown tomatoes and those grown in the field. This pest is a relative of the whitefly, but is more yellowish-white than pure white. Silverleaf whiteflies are 1/8 inch in length and have wings that lie flat on their backs. A wide range of plants are affected by the silverleaf whitefly, including tomato, pepper, bean, squash, cabbage, broccoli, eggplant, lettuce, watermelon and potato.
  
  

Effects

• The damage from silverleaf whiteflies is obvious on the fruit of tomato plants. During feeding, the whitefly places toxins inside the tomato plant, causing the fruit to delay ripening. Tomatoes damaged by whitefly feeding often have deep areas of the fruit that remain green, failing to ripen. Whitefly feeding causes stippling in the leaves of the plant, usually on the undersides of leaves where whiteflies congregate.
  
  

Cultural Controls

• A strong spray of water from the garden hose often eliminates whiteflies by knocking them from the plant. Repeat this process twice each week for best results, concentrating on the undersides of plant leaves. Several species of predatory insects feed on the silverleaf whitefly, keeping their numbers low. Applying soapy water to your tomato plant may also control silverleaf whiteflies. Combine 1 tbsp. liquid dish washing soap with 1 qt. of water and wash your tomato plant. Applying soapy water to your tomato plants once each week helps control whiteflies and reduce the damage to your plants. Yellow sticky traps may also capture whiteflies, as they are attracted to the color yellow. Place these traps near your tomato plants for best results.
  
  

Chemical Control

• Insecticidal soaps and insecticidal sprays may help kill silverleaf whiteflies. When using these products, always follow the label safety instructions for best results. Applying insecticides to your tomato plants may kill damaging pests, but will kill beneficial insects as well, so these products should be used as a last resort.