Population dynamics of the exotic whiteflies Rugose Spiralling Whitefly, Aleurodicus rugioperculatus Martin and Bondars nesting whitefly, Paraleyrodes bondari, Peracchi(Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) on Coconut

Abstract

In recent years , exotic whitefly complex is infesting coconut plantations in India.  Among them, the predominant ones are the Rugose Spiralling Whitefly (RSW), Aleurodicus rugioperculatus and Bondars Nesting Whitefly (BNW), Paraleyrodes bondari. A study was undertaken to determine on the seasonal incidence and population dynamics of these two exotic whiteflies in the newer region of its invasion.  The results depicted that,A. rugioperculatus population rose considerably from the first week of April (10.9 adults/ leaflet) to third week of May (8.3 adults/ leaflet) whereas P. bondari reached highest population during the third week of March (71.99 adults/ leaflet) and extended up to first week of June (67.57 adults/ leaflet)coinciding the summer months. Subsequently, the population declined with the onset of North East Monsoon from August third week to December fourth week in 2021.  Moreover, the extent of parasitism by Encarsia guadeloupae on RSW nymphs ranged between 40 (third week of August, 33^rd standard week 2021) and 84 per cent (second week of June 2022, 24^th standard week) and was positively correlated. Chrysopids had a highly significant positive correlation with the population dynamics of both the whiteflies. Coccinellids were not correlated with A. rugioperculatus population whereas P. bondari population was positively correlated.