Journal of Environmental Biology

Morphological and molecular confirmation of occurrence of neotropical invasive Bondar’s Nesting Whitefly, Paraleyrodes bondari Peracchi (Hemiptera, Aleyrodidae) in sugarcane and its seasonal dynamics

B. Bhavani¹*, P.K. Varma², G.V. Krishna³ and Ch. Mukunda Rao⁴     

¹Department of Entomology, Regional  Agricultural Research Station, Acharya N. G. Ranga  Agricultural University,  Anakapalle-531 001, India

²Department of Plant Pathology, Regional Agricultural Research Station, Acharya N. G. Ranga  Agricultural University, Lam Guntur-522 034, India

³Department of Plant Pathology, Agricultural College, Acharya N. G. Ranga Agricultural University, Bapatla- 522 102, India

⁴Regional Agricultural Research Station, Acharya N. G. Ranga  Agricultural University,  Anakapalle -531 001, India

Received: 18 June 2025                   Revised: 08 October 2025                   Accepted: 20 November 2025

*Corresponding Author Email : b.bhavani@angrau.ac.in                         *ORCiD: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2450-5148

Abstract

Aim: The present study was undertaken to identify and confirm the neotropical invasive whitefly species infesting sugarcane through morphological and molecular characterization, and to assess its seasonal incidence and associated natural enemies.

Methodology: The invasive whitefly infesting the sugarcane leaves was identified and confirmed through morphological and molecular characterization. Field and laboratory studies were undertaken to document its biology, seasonal incidence in relation to prevailing weather conditions, and associated natural enemies.

Results: The present study confirms the occurrence of the neotropical invasive whitefly, Bondar’s Nesting Whitefly (BNW), Paraleyrodes bondari Peracchi (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), on sugarcane representing the first documented report of P. bondari infesting sugarcane in Andhra Pradesh. Adults formed characteristic woolly wax nests on the underside of sugarcane leaves and exhibited oblique greyish wing bands arranged in an ‘X’ pattern. Molecular characterization of partial mitochondrial COI gene revealed 100% nucleotide identity with P. bondari sequences previously reported from coconut, and the sequence was deposited in NCBI GenBank under Accession No. PA234076.1.

Interpretation: Detection of BNW on sugarcane in North Coastal Andhra Pradesh is a potential emerging threat for sugarcane cultivation due to its wide host range and rapid spread; understanding its biology and impact is essential for effective management.

Key words: Bondar's nesting whitefly, Molecular characterization, Paraleyrodes bondari, Sugarcane

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