puutarhankukista

Puutarhankukista, also known as the greenhouse whitefly, is a small, soft-bodied insect belonging to the family Aleyrodidae. It is a common pest in greenhouses and other protected environments, where it feeds on a wide variety of plants, including vegetables, fruits, and ornamental plants. The adult whiteflies are about 1-2 millimeters long and have a white, waxy appearance, which gives them their common name. They have a pair of translucent wings and a short, thread-like antennae.

The life cycle of puutarhankukista consists of four stages: egg, nymph, adult, and pupa. Eggs are laid on the underside of leaves and are about 0.5 millimeters long. Nymphs, also known as crawlers, are mobile and feed on plant sap. They molt several times before becoming adults. Adult whiteflies are winged and can fly, allowing them to spread to new plants. The pupal stage is not well understood, but it is believed to occur on the plant.

Puutarhankukista feeds on plant sap, which can cause yellowing, curling, and distortion of leaves, as well as stunted growth. In severe infestations, plants may die. The insect also excretes a honeydew substance, which can attract sooty mold and other pests. Control measures for puutarhankukista include the use of insecticidal sprays, yellow sticky traps, and biological control agents such as predatory mites and lady beetles. Regular monitoring and early detection are key to effective management of this pest.