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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Gainesville, Florida » Center for Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology » Insect Behavior and Biocontrol Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #257876
Title: REPRODUCTION OF THE FICUS WHITEFLY, SINGHIELLA SIMPLEX (HEMIPTERA: ALEYRODIDAE): A NEW INVASIVE PEST IN THE USA

Author
item Legaspi, Jesusa
item Miller, Neil
item MANNION, CATHARINE - University Of Florida
item AMALIN, DIVINA - University Of Florida

Submitted to: Entomological Society of America Annual Meeting
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/18/2010
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Ficus Whitefly (Singhiella simplex) was first reported in Miami-Dade County in August 2007. This invasive pest causes infested plants to exhibit leaf yellowing, followed by leaf drop. The pest has been recorded on multiple ficus hosts including Ficus benjamina, F. altissima, F. bengalensis, F. microcarpa, F. aurea, F. lyrata, and F. macllandii. Little information is known about ficus whitefly’s reproduction and development or its potential to be controlled by natural enemies currently present in Florida. We report on reproductive parameters measured under four different temperature regimes (15°C, 25°C, 27°C, and 30°C). Results from these studies will be used to develop future management strategies.