Distribution and Identification of Invasive Whiteflies on Coconut Palms in Eastern India and Its Natural Enemies: A Biosecurity Perspective

Abstract

Regular movements of planting materials between countries pave the way for the entry of exotic pests. Despite rigorous quarantine regulations, various insect pests have hitherto entered India and raised biosecurity concerns. The occurrence of rugose spiraling whitefly, Aleurodicus rugioperculatus Martin and bondar’s nesting whitefly, Paraleyrodes bondari Peracchi on coconut crop has drawn the attention of the scientific and farming community due to their unique damaging behavior and rapid progression. Understanding their invasion, a study was undertaken to explore their incidence pattern in West Bengal (India). The survey revealed the occurrence of these species in different regions and habitats. The species was confirmed by standard morphological characters and molecular techniques by amplifying the cytochrome oxidase gene (COI) of mDNA. The representative sequence of A. rugioperculatus and P. bondari has been deposited to the NCBI with accession numbers OP024192 and OP024193, respectively. At present, two species co-exist on coconut leaflets with a rare exception of Gause’s principle. The incidence and severity of these pests were found greater on coconut palms. The damage inflicted by siphoning of plant sap by A. rugioperculatus was more severe than P. bondari. A shift in the weather pattern and continuous dry spells favor their proliferation and spread. The extensive field survey identified potential natural enemies of these whiteflies in the Eastern region of the country. Coconut plays a significant role in the agrarian economy and this comprehensive work would be much useful as a diagnostic guide for farmers, researchers, extension workers and organizations.