Overwintering and Cold Tolerance of Bemisia argentifolii (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) in Coastal South Carolina

Abstract

Populations of Bemisia argentifolii Bellows and Perring in the Charleston, SC area declined sharply during December and remained low through March and April in a two-year study (1991–92). Populations of this whitefly increased slowly during spring with highest populations on collard (Brassica) and potato. Infestations of B. argentifolii were present in 13 of 14 greenhouses at 10 commercial nurseries that were monitored. Eggs were more cold-tolerant than adults and nymphs, respectively, at temperatures of −2°, − 6°, and −10°C.