Whitefly fauna (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) associated with guava (Psidium guajava L.) in Kerala, India

Abstract

This study documents the whitefly species associated with guava in Kerala, India, to facilitate early detection and management approaches. Extensive surveys were carried out in all five agro ecological zones of Kerala from 2020 to 2023. Eight species of whitefly were recorded infesting guava viz., Aleurodicus dispersus, Aleurodicus rugioperculatus, Aleurothrixus floccosus, Paraleyrodes bondari, Paraleyrodes minei, Aleuroclava psidii, Aleurotracheulus tuberculatus. and Dialeuropora decempuncta. The distribution and host range and morphological descriptions of the fourth instar puparia of the species are provided.