Pests

Chrysanthemum whitefly

Chrysanthemum L.

On chrysanthemum, the pest is represented by the species Trialeurodes vaporariorum and Bemisia tabaci, which cause leaf deformation, chlorosis, and the development of sooty molds on honeydew.

In the reference 10 varieties crop Chrysanthemum, where this is mentioned in the description.

On chrysanthemum, adult and nymph whiteflies localize primarily on the undersides of young leaves. Chlorotic spots appear at the insect feeding sites, and leaf tissues become deformed and curled. The honeydew secreted by the pests serves as a substrate for sooty molds, which gives the plants an unsightly black appearance.

A high population density of insects, reaching 300–350 individuals per plant, leads to crop suppression, yellowing and shedding of buds, and a reduction in flowering intensity. Furthermore, the whitefly is a vector for phytopathogenic viruses that cause mosaic symptoms, stunting, and flower deformation in chrysanthemums.

Specific resistance genes to this pest in chrysanthemums have not been described in the literature. Modern breeding is focused on indirect traits, such as the density of leaf trichome pubescence, as well as the content of lignin and specific metabolites, for example, terpenoids.

General information about the subject — on the page Whitefly.

Sources8

Varieties of Chrysanthemum mentioned in the description

Selection based on the description text, not on official evaluation: these data are absent from registers. For specific variety details, please refer to its profile.