Bio-morphometry of invasive rugose spiralling whitefly, <i>Aleurodicus rugioperculatus</i> Martin on three tropical fruit crops: A host suitability assessment

The rugose spiralling whitefly (RSW), Aleurodicus rugioperculatus Martin (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), is an invasive insect pest in Bangladesh, first reported in 2019 on coconut, and is characterized by a wide host range and high damage potential. Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) is an economically important tropical fruit crop in Bangladesh, providing substantial income and livelihood support for growers; however, its production has declined sharply following the invasion of RSW. To investigate the developmental performance of RSW, the present study evaluated its developmental biology and morphometry on three major fruit crops, native coconut, banana, and guava as well as three dwarf coconut cultivars (Siam Blue, Siam Green, and DJ Sompurna). Incubation period, oviposition period, total life cycle duration, and morphometric traits were assessed on selected host plants under laboratory conditions. Results showed that the RSW life cycle duration was shorter on all coconut cultivars (37.6 ± 0.92 to 38.4 ± 0.67 days) and differed significantly from that on banana (41.8 ± 0.80 days) and guava (45.4 ± 0.60 days). Egg and nymphal length and width were greater in coconut cultivars than in banana and guava, indicating greater host suitability of coconut for RSW. Morphometric parameters differed significantly among coconut cultivars, banana, and guava. These host-dependent differences in developmental duration and morphometric traits provide important insights into the biology and host suitability of RSW and can support improved monitoring, risk assessment, and timing of control measures within integrated pest management (IPM) programs.