Parasitic potential of Encarsia guadeloupae Viggiani (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) on Aleurodicus rugioperculatus Martin (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae)

Rugose spiraling whitefly, Aleurodicus rugioperculatus Martin (RSW) is an invasive pest found in India. A nymphal parasitoid, Encarsia guadeloupae Viggiani is a potential natural enemy of RSW . Here, we evaluated the biology of RSW in four different host plants, viz., coconut, banana, sapota, and guava. In addition, we performed studies on the parasitic potential of E. guadeloupae on RSW and its biological parameters in the above-mentioned host plants. The developmental period of RSW from egg to adult stage is 36.6 days in coconut and sapota, followed by 37.9 days in banana and 38.6 days in guava. The identification of E . guadeloupae was confirmed by molecular analysis using the mtCOI gene. The parasitization percentage of E. guadeloupae was found to be higher in the second (60.60%) followed by the third nymphal stages (50.50%) of RSW. A high level of parasitism was recorded in RSW grown on guava (46.50%) and a low level in RSW grown on sapota (34.00%). Hence, the biology of E . guadeloupae was studied on the preferred nymphal stages (second and third) of RSW . The results revealed that the developmental period of E . guadeloupae was shorter (10.60 days and 11.27 days) and that of adult longevity was longer (11.10 and 12.17 days) in the third nymphal stage of RSW grown on guava and banana plants. The results suggested that the release of E. guadeloupae coincided with these stages under field conditions for effective management of RSW.