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O'Hara Landscape & Maintenance, Inc. 1001 25th Ct. West Palm Beach, FL 33407 Phone: 561-655-9011 Fax: 561-655-2229 Toll Free: 800-926-9599 |
Informationals
 O'Hara Landscape Editorials
FICUS WHITEFLY
Recently, a new pest was reported attacking ficus plants in Miami, Florida
when landscapers and nurserymen began to observe mass defoliation (leaf loss) of
these varieties. This pest was identified as the fig whitefly, Singhiella simplex, and is
new to Palm Beach County. This whitefly has been most commonly found infesting
weeping fig (Ficus benjamina) but has also been seen on other varieties. Whiteflies
typically feed on the underside of leaves with their “needle-like” mouthparts. They
can seriously injure host plants by sucking juices from them. The leaves of ficus
plants infested with whiteflies will turn yellow as defoliation begins. Ficus plants
without their leaves is the most obvious symptom of a whitefly infestation.
If the foliage is disturbed the small, white gnat-like adult whiteflies can be seen
flying from the foliage. They resemble flying dandruff as they are only 1/16th of an
inch in length. Unfortunately, they are virtually invisible from more than a few feet
away. For this reason, our experience so far has been to spray infested areas only
after defoliation has begun.
Spraying usually saves the plants, but does not prevent defoliation. Leaf loss
can only be minimized or even prevented with the application of a systemic pesticide
into the root zone. From there the ficus will take the pesticide up into its branches
and leaves. Within 6 to 10 weeks it becomes toxic to any whitefly that tries to feed
on it. This protection will last up to four months.
We are currently providing this optional form of whitefly control. Please call
or email us for prompt details regarding this service.
© Thomas J. O'Hara, President
O'Hara Landscape & Maintenance, Inc. 1-800-926-9599 www.oharalandscape.com |