Comparative biology of invasive rugose spiralling whitefly <i>Aleurodicus rugioperculatus</i> martin on three host plants
Sanjay Kumar Pradhan, A. N. Shylesha, K. Selvaraj, VB Sumalatha
Abstract
Comparative biology of invasive rugose spiralling whitefly (RSW) Aleurodicus rugioperculatus Martin (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) was studied on three host plants viz., coconut (Cocos nucifera L), banana (Musa spp. L) and Indian shot (Canna indica) under caged as well as field conditions. The RSW life cycle was shorter on coconut as compared to that of banana and Indian shot plant. Thus, coconut is the preferred host for its growth and development with a fecundity of 49.50± 4.09 eggs and total duration of the nymphal instars being of 23.2± 1.38 days. Duration to lifestages on banana was less under field conditions as compared to that under caged conditions. These results on the comparative biology and growth will help to develop suitable IPM strategies for this invasive pest.