'Q' Biotype Whitefly: How Big a Threat?

摘要

Are Florida tomato growers in for a new pest pandemic? A new strain of 'Q' biotype whiteflies was discovered on poinsettias purchased at a Tucson, Ariz. retail outlet in December 2004. The finding has whitefly watchers, familiar with what happened inFlorida 19 years ago, nervous about a possible repeat. The discovery is reminiscent of a scenario that led to devastating losses for Florida tomato growers, and the researchers hope that the industry can avoid an equally devastating invasion.