author(s)
Bhavani B, Kishore Varma P and Bharatha Lakshmi M

abstract
An invasive pest, rugose spiraling whitefly (RSW), Aleurodicus rugioperculatus Martin, incidence has been noticed on matured sugarcane crop (2-10%) in localized spots which are in close proximity to coconut plantation in research farm of Regional Agricultural Research Station, Anakapalle, Andhra Pradesh, India during October-December, 2020. Initially, severe infestation was observed on coconut plantation, later it has spread to sugarcane and other crops viz., banana, mango, citrus, guava, areca palm and other ornamental plants in research farm. Rugose Spiraling whitefly egg spirals were observed on the underside of sugarcane leaves. Symptoms viz., presence of heavy white waxy material, sticky honeydew around the whitefly infested area, black sooty mould formation on upper side of the leaves and partial to complete drying of infested leaves were observed on sugarcane under moderate to severe infestation. This confirms first report of rugose spiraling whitefly, Aleurodicus rugioperculatus Martin incidence on sugarcane from Andhra Pradesh in India. Natural enemies viz., lady bird beetles, Cryptolaemus montrouzieri, Chilocorus nigrita, Scymnus nubilus and the parasitoid wasp, Encarsia guadelopae were recorded in sugarcane ecosystem. Nevertheless, it needs a more comprehensive study on biology and population genetics to confirm its evolution there by its impact on sugarcane crop. Though, RSW spread is relatively less in sugarcane ecosystem compared to coconut and banana, regular monitoring and preventive measures need to be taken up in areas where coconut and banana are cultivated in close proximity to sugarcane crop.