Leaf osmotic potential decrease: a possible cause of mortality of greenhouse whitefly eggs

Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Westwood) (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) white eggs were detached from the leaf and exposed to a range of osmotic concentrations (between − 0.4 and − 2.2 MPa) in controlled conditions. Eggs were able to hatch in the low and medium solute concentrations. In the higher concentrations, eclosion was delayed and significant mortality due to egg desiccation was observed. These results indicate leaf osmotic potential is a plant characteristic that affects greenhouse whitefly survivorship. Therefore leaf osmotic potential should be considered when evaluating greenhouse whitefly resistance.