Overwintering of the Japanese bayberry whitefly,parabemisia myricae,in Israel

The Japanese bayberry whitefly,Parabemisia myricae (Kuwana), was discovered in Israel on citrus and avocado trees in 1978. In order to clarify its mode of overwintering, observations and counts were carried out during the winters of 1979/80, 1982/83 and 1983/84, with the following findings. Larvae and adults were detected on citrus and avocado trees throughout the winter; only females were found. The oviposition rate ofP. myricae in winter was low, and rose steeply in spring. The density of larvae on the lower side of leaves was higher than on the upper side. Substantial numbers of larvae survived the winter on avocado trees. Emergence of adults became intensified at the end of February, reached a peak in early March, and ceased at the end of March or beginning of April.