Greenhouse trials will be conducted to evaluate the performance and preference of the silverleaf whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) biotype B, on different poinsettia cultivars, Euphorbia pulcherrima Willd. ex Klotzsch. Our ultimate goal is to identify potential tolerance/resistance traits that could be used for production of future cultivars. Plant susceptibility to B. tabaci will be compared among the cultivars in a choice and no-choice fashion. Adult landing and oviposition will be measured to assess preference of B. tabaci. Oviposition, egg survival, nymph developmental time, and survivorship will be measured to assess B. tabaci performance through the use of life tables. Amino acid composition will be assess as a plant parameter for possible difference on whitefly performance. Preliminary data suggest the silverleaf whitefly performance and preference differs among poinsettias cultivars. Further investigation into plants' amino acid composition will be conducted to better understand the behavior of the silverleaf whitefly. Identifying preferences could be instrumental in reducing naturally the number of whiteflies on poinsettias. Implications of this research could benefit the private industry and potentially help reduced the use of pesticides.