Citrus Whitefly Preference Among Four Ornamental Host Plants

Abstract

The citrus whitefly, Dialeurodes citri (Ashmead), prefers Gardenia jasminoides Ellis cv. August Beauty to G. jasminoides cv. Radicans, Viburnum odoratis- simum Ker-Gawl, and Ligustrum sinense Lour. cv. Variegata for egg deposition. Mean numbers of citrus whiteflies found in subsequent life stages (after the egg) remained significantly higher on G. jasminoides cv. August Beauty. These four host plants of the citrus whitefly are major production and landscape items in the south; therefore, segregation of cultivars most heavily infested by the pest is an important consideration when planning control strategies.