Nesting whitefly (Paraleyrodes spp.): An invasive pest in India: A review

Abstract

The global agricultural landscape faces significant challenges from invasive pests, notably the Bondar’s Nesting Whitefly (BNW) (Paraleyrodes bondari and Paraleyrodes minei) impacting key crops in India. BNW's rapid spread and distinct characteristics, such as woolly wax nests, demand attention. India has witnessed an influx of exotic whitefly species affecting horticultural crops and necessitating comprehensive reviews. The economic implications are substantial, with infestation rates reaching 40-60%, emphasizing the urgency for effective biosecurity and management strategies. Distribution patterns reveal the global dispersal of these whitefly species, originally from the Neotropics, underlining the need for monitoring and mitigation efforts. P. bondari and P. minei exhibit polyphagy, affecting diverse crops. Morphological features and life stages of these whiteflies are detailed, aiding in identification. Weather factors, especially temperature and rainfall, influence whitefly populations, necessitating understanding for effective pest management and agricultural planning. Natural enemies play a role in controlling whitefly populations, though challenges exist in finding exclusive predators or parasitoids. Management strategies include Integrated Pest Management (IPM) methods, emphasizing the role of predatory species, fungal formulations, and natural plant extracts. Yellow sticky traps, fungus application, and the introduction of parasitoids show promise in reducing whitefly populations. The study highlights the potential of plant-based extracts as sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives for pest management, suggesting diverse approaches for addressing the invasive whitefly impact in agriculture.