Field Evaluation of Integrated Management Modules for Rugose Spiralling Whitefly (Aleurodicus rugioperculatus) in Coconut Ecosystem

An on-farm trial was conducted in Periyapudur village, Salem district, Tamil Nadu, to evaluate integrated management modules against rugose spiralling whitefly (RSW) (Aleurodicus rugioperculatus) infesting coconut palms. Three modules combining cultural, biological, and botanical interventions were compared with an untreated control in a randomized block design with five replications. All modules significantly reduced RSW population and increased parasitism by Encarsia guadeloupae compared to untreated control. In the Module 2, integrating Isaria fumosorosea sprays and Encarsia augmentation, achieved the highest parasitism (up to 71.10%). Module 3 recorded maximum trap catches (1,378/trap in 120 days), while Module 1 maintained higher Mallada predator populations. Results demonstrate the potential of these modules in sustainable RSW management in coconut ecosystems.