A new variety of pest has been plaguing coconut and banana producers in India, leading the Agriculture Department to warn farmers of both crops about the pest and methods to control it.
The Rugose Spiralling Whitefly (Aleurodicus rugioperculatus) was found to be the culprit. The pest deposits its eggs on the underside of the leaves of coconut and banana and damages the crop. The droppings of the fly also cause damage to the leaves, resulting in less productivity from the crop. The pest was identified by P Raghunath of the College of Agriculture, Vellayani.
This species of whitefly is endemic to Florida. He urged coconut and banana farmers to be vigilant and take comprehensive precautionary measures. Leaves on which the pest attack is severe should be cut and destroyed. However, agriculture officials warned farmers against using any form of chemicals even on nearby crops.
source: newindianexpress.com
