Alibaug: Amidst the coronavirus outbreak, coconut growers of the Raigad district are left high and dry as a sudden pest attack is taking a heavy toll on production. Coconut trees in several hectares have been pretentious by rugose spiraling whitefly (RSW) infestation.

Many farmers from the areas such as Raigad, Alibaug, Murud, Diveagar who have taken up coconut farming are now worried a lot. Rugose spiralling whitefly, an invasive pest on coconut tree, is introduced from Florida (USA) into Tamil Nadu and Kerala four years back. It has since spread to all coconut growing areas around India.

RSW, Aleurodicus rugioperculatus Martin, is a member of the whitefly family that was first labelled from Belize in 2004 on coconut (Cocos nucifera). This species was found in South Florida in 2009.

Whitefly feeding reasons stress to the host plant by removing water and nutrients and also by creating honeydew, which covers the lower leaves and results in the growth of dirty mould. Although sooty mould is not a plant disease, its existence on the upper surface of the leaf can potentially reduce photosynthesis of the plant.

Dr SR Mahaldar of Regional Fruit Research Station in Shrivardhan said, “Whiteflies also damage other crops in the farm. Researchers from Konkan Agricultural University are being guided on what measures need to be taken to reduce the further destruction.”