Incidence, hosts and potential areas for invasion by Rugose Spiraling Whitefly, Aleurodicus rugioperculatus Martin (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) in India

Abstract

Surveys were conducted to assess the incidence of Rugose spiraling whitefly (RSW), Aleurodicus rugioperculatus Martin, in Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh and Sikkim in India. In Kerala and Tamil Nadu cocount fronds were severely infested with rugose whitefly. In Karnataka, RSW infestation is just beginning to attack Guava, Jamun, Teak and Tropical almond (Indian almond), trees. With the onset of pre-monsoon showers, the RSW infestation considerably came down in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala. Although RSW has not spread into North India presently, potential areas identified for its establishment include parts of South Indian states, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Chattisgarh, Uttarkhand and West Bengal where regular monitoring and preventive measures need to be stepped up.