First report of invasive rugose spiraling whitefly, Aleurodicus rugioperculatus Martin (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) on coconut in Bastar, Chhattisgarh, India

Abstract

The rugose spiraling whitefly (RSW) was first time observed on coconut palm (Cocos nucifera L.) from Bastar plateau of Chhattisgarh during month of September. During survey the occurrence of this pest is not found in the farmer’s field of Kondagaon and Dantewada districts. Average population of RSW on different coconut cultivar reveals that varies from 14.2 to 30.6 RSW / cm2. Highest population was recorded in Gautami Ganga (30.6 / cm2) followed by Kera Bastar (23.2 / cm2) while the minimum population was found in Kalpa Raksha (14.2 / cm2).This investigation is first report of occurrence of RSW on coconut in Chhattisgarh.