Bio Intensive Management of Invasive Rugose Spiralling Whitefly in Coconut

The Rugose Spiralling Whitefly (RSWF) (Aleurodicus rugioperculatus) was noticed in a severe form in coconut palms in Pollachi, Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu, India during August- September, 2016. This pest usually does not kill the plant, but it may interfere with the normal growth of the palm. The infestation of RSWF was high in dwarf and hybrids and very low in tall varieties. The adult longevity was 20.5 days. Integrated Pest Management strategies play key role in managing this pest. The Aphilinid parasitoid, E. guadeloupae plays a major role in controlling RSWF apart from several other predators.