Distribution of Woolly Whitefly Aleurothrixus floccosus Maskell on Guava from Tamil Nadu

Abstract

The distribution, coexistence and natural enemies of the woolly whitefly Aleurothrixus floccosus Maskell (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) was assessed on guava (var Lucknow 49) in southern districts of Tamil Nadu viz., Madurai, Dindigul and Virudhunagar during January-July 2023. Identity of A. floccosus was established by the characteristic features on the puparium of the presence of submarginal setae and uninterrupted submarginal fold at the vasiform orifice. Results of the roving surveys from all the surveyed locations indicated that the nymphal population was found to be the highest on the middle canopy (43.75/ 2.5 sq.cm/10 leaves) followed by bottom canopy (27.73) and top canopy (13.10). However, population of eggs and adults were maximum on the top canopy (39.92, 1.95/ 2.5 sq.cm/ 10 leaves) compared to middle (25.91, 1.43) and bottom (10.75, 1.26) canopies. On guava leaves, woolly whitefly was found predominant and cooccurred with the spiralling whitefly Bondars nesting whitefly, rugose spiralling whitefly, two-tailed mealybugs, aphids and scale insects. No promising parasitoids for A. floccosus were present in the surveyed location. Generalist predators, Dichochrysa sp. (Chrysopidae : Neuroptera) ladybird beetles and spiders were found associated with A. floccosus.