Whitefly in Soybean
Published: 04/10/2026
Background and Crop Damage
Whiteflies (Bemisia spp.) are significant global pests, comprising over 40 genetically distinct species and biotypes. In soybeans, the most common species are the sweetpotato whitefly (B. tabaci) and the silverleaf whitefly (B. argentifolii). These species occur throughout Mexico, and in the United States they are found along the southern Gulf Coast, and in eastern and western coastal regions. Whiteflies are sporadic in the Midwest. Both nymphs and adults feed on the underside of leaves using piercing-sucking mouthparts. Feeding injects toxins that cause chlorotic spots, leaf discoloration, wilting, stunting, and potentially plant death. Whiteflies also excrete honeydew, which promotes black sooty mold growth, and can vector diseases such as soybean mosaic virus (SMV).
Sweetpotato whiteflies.
David Riley, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org.
Pest Description
Nymphs are oval, white to light green, and resemble aphids but lack cornicles. First instars, or “crawlers,” are mobile, while later instars (second to fourth) are legless and remain at the feeding site. Adults are 1/16 to 1/32 inch long, pale yellow, with a white, waxy coating on their wings.
Scouting
Adults are typically in the upper canopy; nymphs are on the underside of leaves in the middle to upper canopy. Record the presence and severity of disease symptoms vectored by whiteflies. Weeds and nearby crops (e.g., vegetables, cotton) serve as alternate hosts. Whiteflies often migrate to soybeans after these crops are harvested. Late-planted soybeans are at higher risk.
Management
Predators (e.g., minute pirate bugs, lacewing larvae) and parasitoids can reduce populations. Entomopathogenic fungi have shown potential for control. Adjust planting dates and manage weeds to reduce whitefly populations. Soybean varieties are under evaluation for resistance to whiteflies. Insecticide applications may require specialized equipment to reach nymphs protected on leaf undersides. Some populations exhibit resistance to pyrethroids, carbamates, and neonicotinoids. Broad-spectrum insecticides can disrupt natural enemies and exacerbate infestations.
Thresholds vary by state. For current scouting, treatment recommendations, and management options, contact your local extension specialist.
Prepared and reviewed by Carol Pilcher and Robert Wright, with support from the United Soybean Board.
Sweetpotato whiteflies.
Whitefly nymph.
Adult whitefly.
Gallery images courtesy of David Riley, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org; Charles Olsen, USDA APHIS PPQ, Bugwood.org; and Adam Sisson, Iowa State University.
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