Aspects of the Biology and variation in Developmental time of the spiralling whitefly, Aleurodicus dispersus Russel (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) on Different Hosts
DOI:36108/NJE/2002/91.0161
PITAN, O.O.R.
ABSTRACT: Some aspects of the biology of the spiralling whitefly, Aleurodicus dispersus Russell (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae), a serious pest of crops in West Africa, was studied on guava seedlings under laboratory conditions as well as in screen house. There were only four larval instars; total larval period was 15-19 days while developmental period from egg to adult was 24.1-28.0 days. At a temperature of 30 ± 4()C, mortality was 72.2% and at 25 ± 2°C (in laboratory condition) mortality was 46.9%. Time required by A. dispersus to complete development from egg to adult at 25 ± 2° C was influenced by the host plant. Development was completed in 18% less time on cassava (Manihot utilissimma), croton (Codiatum vartegatum); Acalypha sp., guava (Psidium guajava) and plantain (Musa paradisiaca) than on frangipani (Plumeria rubra) and mango (Mangifera indica).