Egg deposition by spiralling whiteflies (Aleurodicus dispersus) reduces the stomatal conductance of cassava (Manihot esculenta)

Abstract

Whiteflies are considered a most damaging pest in all cassava-producing regions, as they are responsible for transmitting plant viruses and directly damaging plants via heavy infestation. Aleurodicus dispersus Russell (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) commonly known as Spiralling whitefly, a native to the Caribbean region and Central America. Over 300 plant species from approximately 77 families have been recorded as hosts of Aleurodicus dispersus Russell, worldwide, and the species is known to have widely spread over North America, South America, Asia, Africa, Australia and in several Pacific Island Countries (PIC). In the South Pacific it is known from Majuro (1986) (Marshall Is), Cook Islands (1984), Fiji (1985), Nauru (1987), Papua New Guinea (1987), Kiribati (June 1988), Tokelau (late 1988) and Tonga (November 1988).