Does anyone else have more trouble with whiteflies
in Peterstars, like I do? We've had an abnormally warm fall here in Missouri this year and the whiteflies have really gone to town in these plants. Haven't had any problems with the dark leafed varieties like Prestige and Freedom.
I would give up on them but I have florists who buy from us who prefer Peterstar over all of the other varieties.

Janeeh - It is not uncommon to have more trouble with whiteflies on your light leaf cultivars like the Peterstars and Snowcap. For some reason whiteflies prefer the light leaf cultivars. Light leaf cultivars are also more susceptible to botrytis and bract edge burn and it is thought that it has something to do with calcium in the tissue. Calcium is a component of the cell walls - more calcium makes stronger tissue and makes the plant more resistant to disease and insects.

Knowing this going into the season is important so you can plan your chemical applications accordingly and know that the light leaf cultivars are more susceptible and may require a heavier chemical rotation. It doesn’t mean giving up on cultivars, especially if they are ones your customers like but maybe taking more preventative steps next season.