Abstract

The rich collection of diversified flora at the District Science Centre. Tirunelveli I was screened for infestation by the spiralling whitefly. Aleurodicus dispersus Russeli during 1997-98. The survey revealed that A. dispersus did not develop on all host plants on which oviposiiton occurrred. Of the 27 plants showing infestation, 19 were 'breeding hosts' while 8 were 'feeding hosts'. The following 14 are new host records: Dillenia indica. Adenanthera pavonina, Caesalpinia pulcherrima, Hiptage bengalensis, Malpighia punicifolia, Solanum trilobatum, Grewia tilliaefolia, Lantana sp.. Stenolobium stans. Ipomoea obscura. Bombax ceiba. Jatropa multifida, Sterculia sp. A comprehension of list of host plants shows that the pest occurs on 187 plant species from 58 families.

Keywords: Spiralling whitefly, Aleurodicus dispersus, host plants, new records