Life cycle of whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius)

Egg: Stalked, yellow spindle shaped eggs laid on the lower surface of leaf. Egg stage last for 4-7 days.

Nymphs: Oval, light yellow and bear bristles on the body. In the later instar, particularly the 4^th instar, red eyes of adult became conspicuous. Except the first instar all other instars are stationery and remain attached to the under surface of leaves. Nymphal period varied from 9-15 days.

Pupa: Elliptical, dark yellow with dark brown opercula. Pupal period varied from 2-8 days.

Adult: Adults are 1-1.25 mm in length with wings having poor wing venation. The body of the adult is covered with white waxy powder secreted through the vasiform orifce present on the upper surface of body. Adult period varied from 6-10 days.

No. of Generations: Whitefly complete 8-10 generations in a year