At less than 3mm in length, with eggs a tenth that size, whiteflies might not look like they pose much of a threat.

But this ubiquitous insect can create devastating plant losses, feeding on valuable crops and spreading viruses, causing more plants to die.

While whiteflies are found on every continent bar Antarctica, some species are harmless while near identical others are invasive, such as Bemisia tabaci, the silverleaf whitefly.

In East Africa, for example, Bemisia tabaci spreads viruses to the cassava plant, a staple food in the region. An infestation can decimate an entire harvest, leading to economic hardship and famine.

To tackle this challenge it is important to know your enemy — so researchers from the University of Western Australia have engaged with Pawsey to better distinguish between whitefly species.

The researchers used Magnus to genetically distinguish between Bemisia tabaci and other harmless species that look identical.

Not only does this make it possible to better identify species, but the genetic knowledge developed through the research will assist in the development of methods to combat whitefly infestations.