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Whiteflies (Aleyrodidae)
Whiteflies are tiny, white-winged insects that cluster on the undersides of leaves, sucking plant sap and excreting honeydew that promotes sooty mold growth on a wide range of ornamental and vegetable plants. They are prolific breeders and develop resistance to insecticides quickly, making rotation of control methods essential. Infested plants show yellowing, stunting, and reduced vigor. Systemic insecticides, insecticidal soap, yellow sticky traps, and biological controls using parasitic wasps provide effective integrated management.