Host range of rugose spiraling whitefly, (Aleurodicus rugioperculatus) martin and its incidence and damage on coconut plant in coastal region of Bangladesh

Abstract

Rugose spiraling whitefly, Aleurodicus rugioperculatus Martin (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) is an invasive pest causing severe damage to several plant species. Surveys were conducted in the farmers’ orchards of 11 coastal districts of Bangladesh namely Patuakhali, Barguna, Barishal, Khulna, Bagherhat, Pirojpur, Jhalokathi, Bhola, Laxmipur, Noakhali and Cox’s Bazar to know the host range of rugose spiraling whitefly and its incidence and damage in coconut during July 2021 to June 2022. Results revealed that a total of 22 plant species from 16 families were recorded as hosts of A. rugioperculatus. Among the host plants 4 hosts were infested by A. rugioperculatus in which all the life stages such as egg spirals, nymphs and adults of whitefly were noticed whereas in other 18 host plants only the egg stages were observed. The highest incidence of whitefly egg spirals, nymphs and adults per leaflet of coconut was observed in September 2021 at Bagherhat followed by October, November and May 2022 while the lowest was in July 2021 at Cox’s Bazar followed by June, January, February 2022 and December 2021. The highest percent (97%) infested tree was recorded in Bagherhat district while the lowest percent infested tree (68%) was in Cox’s Bazar. The highest percent (96.23%) of infested fronds per tree were recorded in Bagherhat district and the lowest percent infested fronds per tree (67.23%) was in Cox’s Bazar. The highest percent (84%) of leaflet area occupied by this insect was recorded in Bagherhat and the lowest percent was in Cox’s Bazar (48%). SAARC J. Agric., 20(2): 183-197 (2022)

Surveillance and Biorational Management of Rugose Spiraling Whitefly, Aleurodicus rugioperculatus Martin (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) Infesting Coconut to Reduce the Invasion Threat in Bangladesh

“…and Table2. This study con rms earlier ndings where RSW populations peaked twice a year, in April-May and September-October(Elango and Nelson, 2020;Khan, 2022).Generally, the RSW life cycle is 30 days at 27°C (Mannion et al, unpublished data), thus multiple overlapping generations including nymph, pupae, and adult RSW were found together (Fig.1e). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that climatic factors like temperature, rainfall and relative humidity signi cantly in uence RSW population dynamics.…”

“…The current scenario of RSW infestation in Bangladesh is alarming due to its successful establishment over a wide range of hosts as well as its continuous expansion (Khan, 2022;Swarnaa et al, 2023). It is necessary to take a comprehensive approach to developing a rapid response against this invasion.…”

“…Among these plants, coconut (Cocos nucifera) and banana (Musa sp.) are the most preferred hosts for RSW (Francis et al, 2016;Selvaraj et al, 2019;Khan, 2022). The rst report of RSW infestation on coconuts was in Belize in 2004, and its distribution was initially limited to Belize, Mexico, Guatemala, and Florida (Martin, 2004;Evans, 2008).…”

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“…Among these, coconut was found to be the most preferable host followed by banana and guava respectively (Das et al 2023). All the life stages (egg, nymph, pupa and adult) were found in coconut, banana, guava and areca nut (Khan 2022). Nowadays, rugose spiraling whitefly is an emerging and devastating pest of coconut plants in the coastal area in Bangladesh (Dutta et al 2019).…”

Surveillance of Rugose Spiraling Whitefly, Aleurodicus rugioperculatus Martin (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) Infesting Coconut to Reduce the Invasion Threat in Bangladesh

“…Among these plants, coconut (Cocos nucifera) and banana (Musa sp.) are the most preferred hosts for RSW (Francis et al 2016;Selvaraj et al 2019; Khan 2022). The rst report of RSW infestation on coconuts was in Belize in 2004, and its distribution was initially limited to Belize, Mexico, Guatemala, and Florida (Martin 2004;Evans 2008).…”