Biological control of invasive pest, rugose spirallying whitefly in coconut and impact on environment

Biological Control of coconut rugose spiralling whitefly with entomopathogenic fungi, Isaria fumosorosea (NBAIR- Pfu 5) spraying with the introduction of exotic natural enemy, Encarsia guadeloupae parasite, its conservation and augumentation was proved effective in managing rugose spiralling whitefly and accepted by coconut farmers of north coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh state. Field evaluation of Isaria fumosorosea (NBAIR- Pfu-5) @ 2 x 108 spores/ ml (5 g/litre of water) two sprayings at one month interval was found effective in reducing rugose whitefly intensity by 58.1 to 97.03% in coconut orchards during 2018-19 . Noticed the establishment of Isaria fungus on whitefly population showing mycelial growth on eggs, nymphs and mummified adults. Similar results observed in 2019-20, I. fumosorosea two sprays at 15 day interval with release of exotic natural enemy, E. guadeloupae parasite for augmentation after first spraying of Isaria fungus effectively controlled rugose spiralling whitefly intensity by 71.01 to 75.5%. Interestingly, well establishment of parasitoid, E. guadeloupae was observed in coconut plantation with banana as intercrop which was inoculated after first spraying of Isaria fungus. The population of rugose spiralling whitefly in coconut orchards was reduced significantly with two sprays of I. fumosorosea (NBAIR- Pfu5) with one inoculative release of parasite, E. guadelouape. Capacity building of coconut farmers lead to the establishment of model biological control system for the farmer level production of I. fumosorosea with the efforts of AICRP on Biological Control, ANGRAU centre and ICAR-NBAIR, Bangalore. Experiences of successful farmers was helpful in the spread of biological control technologies in the management of coconut spiralling whitefly in 250 acres of coconut of north coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh.