Host range of the giant whitefly Aleurodicus dugesii Cockerell (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) and damaged levels on horticultural crops in the sub-districts of Cisarua (Bogor) and Cipanas (Cianjur).

Abstract

Aleurodicus dugesii Cockerell (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) is a polyphagous whitefly which attacks more than 43 plant genera in 35 families (Lasalle et al. 1997). The whitefly sucks on plant sap, extracting important nutrients that lead to defoliation, stunting and plant death. Information about host range, population density, level of damage and yield loss is necessary to control this pest. Study of the host range, population density, level of damage to horticultural crops and yield loss were done in two Sub-districts Cisarua (Bogor) and Cipanas (Cianjur). The research method consisted of gathering information from relevant agencies and field observations. Results of the study revealed that the number of horticultural crops attacked by A. dugesii in two sub-districts were 36 species consists of 23 families. A dominant host plant species were family of Fabaceae, Solanaceae and Euphorbiaceae. The highest population of whitefly on horticultural plants were 1 986 per leaf on tamarillo in Sub-districts Cipanas (Cianjur). The level of damage in the range of 1 – 80%. Economic losses due to A. dugesii on avocado plants in the village of Citeko was Rp. 40 290 000,- per year.