Flight activity of invasive Rugose Spiralling Whitefly (Aleurodicus rugioperculatus Martin) and Bondars Nesting Whitefly (Paraleyrodes bondari Perrachi) in coconut orchards

Abstract

Monitoring and knowing flight activities in whiteflies are key information for applying any management strategies. The adult Rugose Spiralling Whitefly (RSW) flight activity was most intense in the morning after dawn (0600 to 0700 ) when 13.5 numbers were captured in the yellow sticky sheets placed in the Southeast, while there was a minor peak of adult RSW in the evening. The Bondars Nesting Whitefly (BNW) was notably different in both directions; the maximum number of whiteflies was captured in the traps placed in the Southeast between 0600 and 0700 (69 adults), while very few whiteflies were captured in the Northwest. The Bondars Nesting Whitefly flight was quite comparatively low in both directions during the dusk and sunset hours.