INSECTICIDAL POTENTIAL OF CERTAIN COMMON FERNS ON RUGOSE SPIRALLING WHITEFLY, ALEURODICUS RUGIOPERCULATUS MARTIN (HEMIPTERA: ALEYRODIDAE)

Abstract

There is a search for plant based alternatives to synthetic chemicals to control pests in crop plants were started from any years back. In this study, the efficacy of common ferns to control the whitefly, Aleurodicus rugioperculatus Martin (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) in coconut plantation was investigated. The whiteflies are prevalent throughout the year in the coconut fields and cause severe losses to the farmers. Ferns such as Adiantum caudatum, Hemionitis opposita, Pteris biaurita, Thelypteris meeboldii and Nephrolepis cordifolia were evaluated for their efficacy in the control of the whitefly, A. rugioperculatus. The aqueous extracts of the ferns were screened at different concentrations viz., 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0 and 5.0% against A. rugioperculatus under laboratory conditions. Extracts from H. opposita and Thelypteris meeboldii showed the maximum mortality rate of 87% followed by Nephrolepis cordifolia (86%), Adiantum caudatum (83%) and Pteris biaurita (77%) at 5% concentration after 96 hours of treatment. The phytochemical screening of the extracts showed a qualitatively increased level of saponins in H. opposita and T. meeboldii. Reduced chlorophyll, carbohydrate and amino acid content were observed in the whitefly's infested leaves and increased protein content was observed in the infested leaves. Based on the study, the aqueous extracts of H. opposita and T. meeboldii can be recommended for the whitefly control in coconut plantations.