Non-Native Neotropical Nesting Whitefly, <i>Paraleyrodes minei</i> Iaccarino on Coconut Palms in India and its Co-Existence with Bondar’s Nesting Whitefly, <i>Paraleyrodes bondari</i> Peracchi

Abstract

Field occurrence of the exotic neotropical nesting whitefly, Paraleyrodes minei Iaccarino in association with Bondar’s nesting whitefly, Paraleyrodes bondari Peracchi on coconut leaflets is reported from Kerala, India. These coconut palms were previously infested by the rugose spiralling whitefly, Aleurodicus rugioperculatus Martin, which was reported from Kerala and Tamil Nadu during 2016. P. minei closely resembles P. bondari , but is devoid of the oblique grey bands on the wings and it constructs loosely woven, woolly wax nests. Female P. minei are white, but males are smoky grey. Cockhead-like male aedeagus with two thin appendixes projected downwards is the unique feature for species-level identification of P. minei . Detection of three non-native whiteflies of neotropical origin infesting coconut palms in India within a span of two years suggests their simultaneous introduction. Invasive potential of P. minei due to its polyphagous nature and short lifecycle calls upon strict policy frameworks in exchange of planting materials. Domestic quarantine should be strictly enforced in the country to avoid spread of this pest to other coconut-growing regions.