Host dynamics and molecular characterization of neo tropical invasive Bondar’s Nesting Whitefly (BNW), Paraleyrodes bondari Peracchi (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) in Andhra Pradesh

Abstract

The Bondar’s Nesting Whitefly (BNW), Paraleyrodes bondari Peracchi is a new exotic pest of coconut since December, 2018 in India. It has spread across the nation since its first report and occurring in several horticultural crops especially in the East Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh. The host dynamics of BNW were studied and its incidence, intensity and severity on different host plants were also recorded. The host plants observed were Coconut, Oilpalm, Banana, Cinnamom, False rubber, Mango, Jackfruit, Guava, Temple pod and Hibiscus etc. The incidence and intensity were observed to be highest in Coconut and Oilpalm, while least was recorded in Hibiscus plant. The identity of BNWwas further confirmed through amplification of mt. COI gene obtained for the isolate which was sequenced and submitted to NCBI- GenBank (Acc. No. ON739183).