Induced Nut Yield Reduction in Godavari Ganga Hybrid Coconut Palms: Invasive Rugose Spiraling Whitefly (Aleurodicus Rugioperculatus Martin) Infestation

The percent (%) yield loss was estimated to be 7.93 and 26.67% in the Godavari Ganga hybrid with low and medium Aleurodicus rugioperculatus incidence, while comparatively greater yield loss of 31.27% was recorded in palms with high incidence at the Horticultural Research Station (HRS), Ambajipeta. Similarly, at Kalavalapalli village, the percent yield loss was estimated to be 8.03 and 27.64% (low and medium incidence in Godavari Ganga hybrid palms), while comparatively higher yield loss of 32.88% in those of highly infested palms. The mean copra weight (g) during the year 2018 (before A. rugioperculatus infestation) was 132.87 g in Dr. YSRHU Godavari Ganga hybrid, which was observed to be identical with mean copra weight in 2021 (after A. rugioperculatus infestation with 135.27 g). Leaflet length was significantly and positively correlated with rugose spiraling whitefly (RSW) infestation in Godavari Ganga hybrid palms.