Utilizing Locally Isolated Parasitoid, Encarsia guadeloupae, (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae), for Biological Control of Coconut Whitefly, (Aleurodicus rugioperculatus), in Sri Lanka.

DOI: 10.22161/ijeab.105.1

Abstract:
Coconut Whitefly (Aleurodicus rugiopercularus) infestation possess a growing threat to various coconut growing regions in Sri Lanka since 2019. The National Plant Protection Service in collaborated with Horticultural Crops Research and Development Institute conducted a series of studies to investigate the potential use of locally isolated parasitoid, Encarsia guadelopae for the control of coconut whitefly. The parasitoid E. guadeloupae identified as a promising biocontrol agent of coconut whitefly due to its efficacy in damaging the nymphal stages of whitefly. The study initiated with a comprehensive field survey across seven districts to assess the severity of whitefly damage followed by a laboratory analysis of whitefly parasitoids for identification and rearing. Mass production of A. rugioperculatus and E. guadeloupae was carried out using various host-plant species under the laboratory conditions. Field release of parasitoids were conducted in selected locations, using two distinct methods. Results indicated successful taxonomic identification of A. rugioperculatus and E. guadeloupae, with coconut identified as the preferred host for whitefly rearing. The field release of parasitoids indicates a significant increase in parasitism level and a corresponding decrease in whitefly populations in coconut plantations. In conclusion, the study establishes the feasibility of mass rearing and field release of E. guadeloupae as an environmentally friendly and effective strategy for biological control of coconut whitefly infestations.

Keywords:
Aleurodicus rugiopercularus, Encarsia guadelopae, Biological control, Coconut whitefly, Parasitoid wasp, Mass rearing

Article Info:
Received: 28 Jul 2025; Received in revised form: 27 Aug 2025; Accepted: 30 Aug 2025; Available online: 06 Sep 2025

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