Integrated evaluation of plant oils, entomopathogenic fungi and insecticides against rugose spiralling whitefly (Aleurodicus rugioperculatus Martin) on coconut

The rugose spiralling whitefly (RSW), Aleurodicus rugioperculatus Martin (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), has emerged as a serious invasive pest of coconut in India since its first report in 2016. Its rapid population build-up, coupled with profuse honeydew excretion and sooty mould development, causes substantial reduction in photosynthesis and nut yield. The present study aimed to develop and validate IPM modules by combining mechanical, botanical, microbial and need-based chemical tactics on the basis of laboratory screening and field evaluation. In laboratory bioassays, castor oil, Lecanicillium lecanii and acetamiprid caused the highest mortality and thus were incorporated in Module 3, which was further compared against two institutionally derived modules for field validation. Significant differences among the treatments were observed ( p < 0.05), Across two seasons, all IPM modules reduced rugose spiralling whitefly infestation relative to the untreated control, but Module 1 achieved the greatest overall pest suppression (>70%) and the highest yield increase (28.4%). However, Module 3, integrating yellow sticky traps, 1% starch wash, castor oil, L. lecanii and acetamiprid, provided substantial suppression with lower dependence on conventional chemical input. On the basis of efficacy, ecological compatibility and field practicability, Module 3 is recommended as the preferred IPM option for routine management of A. rugioperculatus in coconut under north-eastern Indian conditions, whereas Module 1 may be reserved for severe outbreak situations requiring rapid suppression. The study demonstrates that laboratory-validated botanical, microbial and selective chemical components can be assembled into a scalable and recommendation-driven IPM programme for sustainable management of rugose spiralling whitefly.