Population structure and pest dynamics of invasive whiteflies, Rugose spiraling whitefly (Aleurodicus rugioperculatus) and Bondar nesting whitefly (Paraleyrodes bondari) on Oil Palm

Abstract

Abstract Globalization of trade occasionally resulted in unwanted biological invasions incurring huge monetary losses. The recent alien whitefly complex on palms in India viz., rugose spiraling whitefly (RSW), Aleurodicus rugioperculatus Martin and bondar nesting whitefly (BNW), Paraleyrodes bondari Peracchi are well dispersed and established. Although both are coexisting on oil palm, the distribution patterns and population dynamics are studied using population counts of four fronds at four directions and at three locations per frond (base middle and tip) taken over four months (February, March, April and May, 2022) on 36 palms of a garden. The results revealed that both species preferred tip leaflets of frond with no significant difference between middle and tip leaflets in case of RSW and with a clear significant preference of tip leaflets in case of BNW. Specific preference of palms, population variation over time and locations are revealed. The reduction in population over time was prevalent in RSW. These results help in understanding the population dynamics and designing effective management tools against both the pests as unified program.