The first invasive whitefly reported from Kerala in 1995 has now spread across the country, says a new study.
- The study by the ICAR- National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources, says that the most of whitefly species reported from India are native to the Caribbean islands or Central America [or both].
- The study team note that the first reported invasive spiralling whitefly Aleurodicus dispersus is now distributed throughout India except Jammu & Kashmir.
- The rugose spiralling whitefly which was reported in Pollachi, Tamil Nadu in 2016 has now spread throughout the country including the islands of Andaman Nicobar and Lakshadweep.
- Approximately 1.35 lakh hectares of coconut and oil palm in India are affected by the rugose spiralling whitefly.
- The host range of all of the invasive whiteflies was increasing due to their polyphagous nature (ability to feed on various kinds of food) and prolific breeding.
- Aleurodicus dispersus and Aleurodicus rugioperculatus have been reported on over 320 and 40 plant species, respectively.
(Source: The Hindu)
