Pacific Pests, Pathogens, Weeds & Pesticides - Online edition

Pacific Pests, Pathogens, Weeds & Pesticides

Sugarcane whitefly (245)

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Photo 1. Late stage nymphs and pupae of the sugarcane whitefly, Neomaskellia bergii.

Photo 2. Close-up of adult sugarcane whitefly, Neomaskellia bergii.

Photo 3. Eggs and adults of the sugarcane whitefly, Neomaskellia bergii.

Summary

  • Widespread distribution. Asia, Africa, Oceania. On sugarcane, bamboo, sorghum and grasses. A minor pest.
  • Light green egg masses on undersides of leaves; oval brown nymphs; adults with black bands on wings. Produce honeydew; ants often present attracted to the honeydew excreta.
  • Biocontrol: several tiny wasps, and ladybird beetles; but natural enemies need ant removal to be effective.
  • Cultural control: destroy ant colonies with hot water.
  • Chemical control: use soap, white or horticultural oils. Use synthetic pyrethroids to kill ants.

Common Name

 Sugarcane whitefly

Scientific Name

Neomaskellia bergii

Photo 4. Adult sugarcane whiteflies, Neomaskellia bergii, attended by ants.

AUTHOR Grahame Jackson
Information from Evans GA (2007) The whiteflies (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) of the world and the host plants and natural enemies USDA/APHIS. Version 070606. Photos 1-3 National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources, ICAR, India.

Produced with support from the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research under project PC/2010/090: Strengthening integrated crop management research in the Pacific Islands in support of sustainable intensification of high-value crop production, implemented by the University of Queensland and the Secretariat of the Pacific Community.

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