Сabbage whitefly (Aleyrodes proletella L.) – Dominant Polyphagous of the Cabbage Family (Brassicaсеае) of Ukraine
Yu OTkalenko
ABSTRACT
Objective: To analyze the dynamics of the spread of the cabbage whitefly (Aleyrodes proletella L.) in Ukraine based on data from the State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection, literature sources, and personal observations.
Methods:
• Information-Analytical: collection and analysis of materials
• Field: monitoring of the pest at the farm “Zlagoda” (Kyiv region, Bila Tserkva district) during 2022–2024
• Laboratory: identification of the pest at the Laboratory of Pesticide Application Technology, Institute of Plant Protection, NAAS of Ukraine.
Results: The cabbage whitefly (Aleyrodes proletella L.) is a polyphagous pest with high reproductive intensity, capable of developing 5–6 full generations during the growing season depending on weather conditions. It infests many crops belonging to 12 botanical families, with the primary hosts being plants of the cabbage family (Brassicaceae).
According to research results and data from the State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection, the development of the cabbage whitefly has been recorded in Ukraine from 2016 to 2024. The pest was first detected in 2016 in the western regions; by 2022, it had spread to 13 regions, and by 2024, it was present in all regions of Ukraine.
Conclusions: As of January 1, 2025, the range of the cabbage whitefly in Ukraine covers all ecological zones: Polissia, Forest-Steppe, and Steppe, with its distribution area continuing to expand. Monitoring revealed that in the Forest-Steppe zone, the pest infests all types of cabbage: Chinese, Savoy, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, broccoli, white cabbage, and red cabbage. Among weeds, it was found on wild radish, common charlock, field mustard, and shepherd’s purse. Notably, it does not damage plants of the cucurbit family, such as pumpkin, cucumber, melon, zucchini, watermelon, and pattypan squash.
