Whiteflies are widely distributed pests of many agricultural and ornamental crops. The species, Bemisia tabaci, is a particularly serious pest of sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas Lam.), transmitting viruses and other agents. In the past couple of years, unusually large populations of whiteflies have been reported to be significantly affecting sweetpotato yields in the coastal valleys of Peru. 

Infestations were particularly abundant and destructive on sweetpotato, cotton, and Peruvian pepino (Solanum muricatum Ait.). A complex of B. tabaci (biotypes A and B) and B. afer was associated with this outbreak. The species, Bemisia afer, was reported for the first time on sweetpotato in the Cañete Valley in the central coast of Peru. This is the first report of a Bemisia afer sens. lat. outbreak on major crops in the central coast of Peru. 

The extent of B. afer dissemination and its host-associations in Peru is currently being investigated. A field survey has been initiated to map sweetpotato growing areas and to establish baseline information on whitefly infestation the Cañete valley.