Management of Invasive Rugose Spiraling Whitefly, Aleurodicus rugioperculatus (Martin) through Insect Parasitoids and Fungal Pathogens in Coconut

Coccus nucifera L. (Coconut) is one of the useful plantation crops all over the world, especially in the coastal and southern parts of India. The destructive invasive sucking pest, rugose spiraling whitefly (RSW), Aleurodicus rugioperculatus Martin, reduces photosynthetic activity and causes nut fall, which directly and indirectly causes enormous crop losses. Although chemical management is fast and successful it is not at all recommended in many cases of this pest control, as it is not eco-friendly and labor intensive. So, biological management methods include biocontrol agents which include; fungal pathogens, and natural enemies which include predators, and parasitoids. Although those agents are slower in action and time-consuming than chemical insecticides, it is relatively safer and has varied modes of action. Nowadays various NGOs, bio-control organizations, and state, and central universities are engaged in mass-culture of various biocontrol agents for field release and farmers’ distribution. Extensive research work is going on already to determine the effectiveness of those biocontrol agents on various climatic conditions and different whiteflies.