Field Evaluation of Different Biorationals against Rugose Spiralling Whitefly, Aleurodicus rugioperculatus Infesting Banana

Abstract

Banana production is affected by invasive pests such as the rugose spiralling whitefly, which reduces plant health and yield by sucking sap and promoting sooty mould growth. Due to concerns over chemical pesticide use, eco-friendly biorational options like entomopathogenic fungi and botanical insecticides are being evaluated as sustainable alternatives for effective pest management under field conditions. A field experiment was conducted during 2023-24 at the Horticulture Farm, College of Agriculture, Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh (Gujarat) to evaluate the efficacy of different biorational treatments against rugose spiralling whitefly (Aleurodicus rugioperculatus) infesting banana (Musa paradisiaca Linn.). The treatments included entomopathogenic fungi Beauveria bassiana, Lecanicillium lecanii, Metarhizium anisopliae, their combinations, and Azadirachtin 10000 ppm @ 0.003% along with an untreated control. Two foliar sprays were applied, and observations on whitefly population and fruit infestation were recorded. Results revealed that all biorational treatments reduced RSW infestation compared to the untreated control. Among them, Azadirachtin 10000 ppm @ 0.003% was the most effective, resulting in the lowest average whitefly population (4.97/leaf), lowest fruit infestation, and highest yield. This was followed by Beauveria bassiana 1.15 WP @ 0.009% and the combination of Beauveria bassiana + Lecanicillium lecanii @ 0.005% each.