FIG (FICUS) WHITEFLY- Singhiella simplex
The Ficus is an economically important tree and hedge widely used in Florida landscapes. Ficus plants are multifunctional and used for a variety of of different benefits such as barriers to noise, for personal privacy, and to add beautiful definition to communities throughout the state.
Recently Ficus plants in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties have been under attack by an exotic species of whitefly. This destructive whitefly is now in South Florida and is rapidly defoliating these beautiful plants. Known as the Fig Whitefly or Ficus Whitefly, these pest strike quickly and can defoliate a Ficus in as little as three weeks!
A Whitefly infestation will turn ficus the Ficus foliage yellow shortly before the leaves drop from the plant. Ultimately, no leaves will remain, the economic loss will be immense.
The good news is that Diligent Healthy landscape has the right solution. Diligent’s Ficus Whitefly program is proven effective and affordable. With the protection of this treatment program, you can keep your landscape and your privacy safe from Whiteflies.
The Fig Whitefly Singhiella simplex (Singh) originated from Burma, China and India. The adult Whitefly is yellow in color and its wings are white with a faint grey band near the middle. They are so small in size that when you shake an infested branch, a small cloud of tiny gnat-like whiteflies fly out from the foliage. Whtieflies are found on the underside of the leaves and pierce the plant with their “needle like” mouth parts, sucking vital juices from the plant. The plant becomes unhealthy and its leaves start to yellow, then brown and eventually drop off. Whitefly infestations that go untreated can cause the plant to die.
1. How is the Whitefly treatment applied?
A Diligent technician sprays the foliage of the ficus plant with a contact and systemic products. Then an application of a dispersiable systemic liquid is applied to the root system at the base of the plants. Afterwards, we recommend watering the treated area on your scheduled watering day.
2. Is the Whitefly treatment harmful to pets or humans?
No. The products Diligent applies are environmentally responsible and carefully used at the correct rate. You should avoid contact with the treated area until application has dried (usually 1-2 hours).
3. Will the Whitefly treatment cause damage to any vehicles on site?
No. The products we use do not stain or damage objects and we will not spray in unfavorable weather or in areas near cars or windows.
4. What can I expect if we are treating Ficus plants that have been severely affected?
In most cases, the Ficus plant will grow new leaves. If a massive loss of leaves has occurred, you will need to take care not to over water the plant. Without leaves, plants are less efficeient at taking in water. Over watering can cause the roots to rot which may lead to plant death. Plants should be fertilized to promote new growth and to maintain health.
5. When can we trim the Ficus hedges?
The hedges should not be trimmed until the treatment has fully taken effect and control is achieved. Once applied, the Whitefly treatment will translocate or move its way into the plant’s new growth, a process which takes approximately 4-6 weeks. If you trim your hedges to soon, you will cut off the new growth that contains the residual product, causing additional stress to your hedges.
6. Should we remove leaves that have been defoliated or have been trimmed?
No, not until control is achieved. The leaves of these plants should not be removed until after the application is complete. Then clippings should be put in a bag to reduce the chance of spreading the insects to other plants.
7. Does this insect species attack any other plants other than Ficus Benjamina?
No, currently Whiteflies only attack Ficus Benjamina hedges and trees.
8. What is the life cycle of the Ficus Whitefly?
The life cycle is approximately one month. Eggs, which are usually laid on the underside of leaves, hatch into a crawler stage. The crawler stage wanders around the leaf until they begin to feed.
9. What does Ficus Whitefly damage look like?
The leaves of the Ficus plant or tree infested with Fig (Whitefly) begin turn yellow before they drop from the plant. Whiteflies can seriously injure host plants by sucking juices from them causing wilting, yellow, stunting, leaf drop, draining nutrients or even causing death.
10. Why does the application need to be done every other month?
The folier spray products that we use have an immediate impact, but then wear off. The products we use to drench the roots take 4-6 weeks to translocate or travel up through the plant. Every other month treatments ensure the life cycle of the Whitefly is kept under control.
11. When should we discontinue the service?
We recommend continuing the service as long as you have Ficus Benjamina plants. With continuous treatment, your plants will be protected from harm, ensuring the continued health and beauty of your landscape.
12. Are any beneficial insects helping to control Ficus Whitefly?
Yes. However, there are not enough beneficial insects to keep the Fig(Ficus) Whitefly population in check. |
