Nymphs go through three instars and a pupa stage before reaching adulthood. Full development generally takes from 25 to 30 days in greenhouses. Adults may live up to 30 days. Under greenhouse conditions generations overlap and all stages of the insect may be found on infested plants at any time. Further injury may result from the sticky honeydew secreted by whiteflies, which adheres to foliage and fruits.
Whiteflies can reduce yields of greenhouse grown tomatoes.
To prevent yield loss, these insects must be controlled or kept to a low level during the growth period. Several insecticides are recommended for whitefly control on greenhouse grown tomatoes. Generally it is better to spray when temperature is 70 o to 80 o F. Spray applications every second day may be needed for 21 days in order to break their life cycle. Alternate insecticides if necessary. Use of it will increase control of whiteflies.