Comparison of Biology and Reproductive Potential of Two Invasive Coconut Whiteflies, Aleurodicus rugioperculatus Martin and Paraleyrodes bondari Peracchi through an Age-Stage, Two-Sex Life Table Approach

Two invasive species of whiteflies, Aleurodicus rugioperculatus Martin and Paraleyrodes bondari Peracchi, have recently emerged as major pests of coconut (Cocos nucifera L.). Age-stage, two-sex life tables of these two whitefly species on coconut were compared to study their growth, development and reproductive characteristics. The results revealed that P. bondari exhibited a faster developmental time and longer oviposition period (11.46 ± 0.25 days), which resulted in higher values of net reproductive rate (R0 = 42.55 ± 4.71 offspring/individual), intrinsic rate of increase (r = 0.12 ± 0.01 per day), finite rate of increase (λ = 1.13 ± 0.01 per day), and gross reproduction rate (GRR = 56.18 ± 4.25 individuals/generation). Additionally, P. bondari had a lower mean generation time (T = 30.29 ± 0.19 days) when compared to A. rugioperculatus (T = 40.33 ± 0.21 days). The fecundity of P. bondari (72.94 ± 1.51 eggs/female) was significantly higher than that of A. rugioperculatus (53.81 ± 1.56 eggs/female). As a result, P. bondari exhibited a competitive advantage over A. rugioperculatus. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the bioecology of these two distinct invasive whitefly species, particularly in the context of interspecific competition within the same ecological niche.