Look for the insects on the undersides of leaves during the day, when they are most active. Horrid little white flies have set up home on my chilli plant in the kitchen window sill. They don't respond to me disturbing them, so I'm assuming aphids. Hi, we get them in the greenhouse, natural predators are lady birds, but sometimes hard to come by.In the greenhouse we put up sticky traps, bought from the garden centre. Whiteflies hatch from tiny, cone-shaped eggs into small scale-like insects that can travel along the plant's stems. Either use a hose or take it back indoors and go to the bathroom. Thoroughly inspect all parts of the plant—around leaf joints, under leaves, and in the top layer of soil around the stem. Plant growth get stunted due to shortened internodes and reduction in leaf size due to curling. Both adults and offspring are sap feeders and a severe attack will weaken a plant. Coriander321 by Buglady on November 13, 2005 01:12 AM well the whiteflies should not be on the soil line. They live on the foliage. Aphids and Whitefly: Greenhouse Aphids and Whitefly most common pests that easily affect the chilli crops. £200 voucher to be won, Has covid-19 affected your plans to become pregnant or TTC? Whitefly adults are tiny, moth-like insects that feed on plant sap. They suck plant juices from the leaves, causing them to shrivel, turn yellow and drop. These nymphs lose their ability walk, and remain in the same location for the rest of their development until they pupate and emerge as winged adults (Figure 1). The whitefly can inflict direct damage to chili plants by sucking the plant sap when feeding, causing distorted young leaves and silver chlorotic spots on the leaves. The damage that whiteflies cause to a crop is the result of sucking out the sap from the plant leaves and secreting honeydew. I grow most of my chilli plants in Quadgrows or my DIY self watering pots which saves massive amounts of time watering. Check them for pests before bringing them in for the colder months. I trust all is well with you – I haven’t spotted any updates lately to your site. Damage: Originally from Central America, this moth-dandelion has spread throughout Europe with indoor plants. This can have the following consequences: If the population is very large, feeding on plant sap can affect the physiology of the plant, as a result of which growth is retarded. Whitefly set up home and live out their lives on the underside of leaves. The white larvae and adult flies (about 2mm long) sit at the bottom of the leaves and suck the plant juice. Give it a thorough (but gentle) shower. They might be aphids? They derive their name from the mealy white wax covering the adult’s wings and body. I don't like the sticky traps because they're indisciminate, catching butterflies and lace-wings as well as whitefly. They are easily recognized and often found near the tops of plants or on stem ends. To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account. Whitefly can also spread viruses from plant to plant as they feed. They might attract ladybirds.Ours are outside at the moment, it’s healthy for the plant. The other chilli plant in the conservatory hasn't been affected, so I'm wondering why that one's okay. Feeling overwhelmed with baby and job and man child husband, How have you shown your appreciation for the NHS? The will look like a tiny whitefly or … Since whiteflies congregate in large numbers, susceptible plants can be quickly overwhelmed. Patches and Sticky residue on the leaves, Larvae on the upper side of the leaves and top of the soil. Whiteflies damage leaves by feeding on plants. Cure Plants affected. 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