Bemisia tabaci biotype B in the Pacific region
In the Pacific region, Bemisia tabaci biotype B (EPPO A2 quarantine pest), also referred to as Bemisia argentifolii, is reported as present in Hawaii (US), Guam, New Caledonia and Australia where it has not caused a great problem so far. In Cook Islands (Rarotonga and Aitutaki), a severe outbreak was observed in 1994. The whitefly mainly attacked vegetables (aubergine, cabbage, cucumber, tomato, pumpkin and water melon). Control of the pest with pesticides met some difficulties, and it is planned to introduce natural enemies. ;The records of B. tabaci in Cook Islands, Guam and New Caledonia are new according to the EPPO Secretariat.
Sources
Anonymous (1995) Outbreak of the silverleaf whitefly in the Cook Islands.
Ag Alert, No. 13, 2 pp.