The silverleaf whitefly (Bemisia tabaci B type) is a world-wide pest on many crops, with a particular appetite for cotton.

Although the SLW has reached pest status in the horticultural industries of the Northern Territory and Queensland, the cotton industry in Australia is not affected by the silverleaf whitefly. However, the presence of this pest in Australia's cotton growing areas and the current worldwide problems associated with SLW management, has presented the industry with a potential disaster.

Is it a matter of time as for other countries? Is Australia's climate suitable? Is cotton

a good host? Are competition and predation our saving grace? These and more detailed questions need to be addressed. Australian cotton growers and researchers may then play a role in either; keeping the present situation as it is (if the SLW has simply not been able to establish). Or, by not providing the pest with a chance of a foothold if the opportunity still awaits.

Outbreaks of SLW in other countries have been studied, and theories have been presented as to the development of its major pest status. Major theories include the effect of climate, reduction in beneficials, poor insecticide management, and changes in fanning practices including the increase in suitable hosts.

Most of these factors we can examine to enable us to identify the risks that would elevate the SLW to a major pest in Australian cotton.