The duration from egg to adult may be 18 days under warm temperatures, but may take as long as 2 months under cool conditions. This explains in part how whitefly populations can build up so rapidly. Distribution on plants. Following the development of the plant, larger nymphs are typically more numerous on older leaves. Direct crop damage occurs when whiteflies feed on plant phloem in high enough numbers, excreting honeydew which promotes sooty mold and reduces plant quality.
Consumers find whitefly presence on and around plants objectionable.
Production facilities found to harbor heavy infestations of sweetpotato whiteflies have received Stop Sale Orders from Texas Department of Agriculture inspectors until control has been obtained. Avoid using whitefly infested cuttings. Plant structure and spacing are important because coverage of plants with non-systemic insecticide sprays is difficult on lower leaves and within thick canopies. Heavily infested plants and leaves can be removed and destroyed to reduce whitefly breeding areas. Weeds and other plants frequently serve as alternate hosts and harborage areas for whiteflies.