Invasive whiteflies (Hemiptera) infesting sword bean (Canavalia gladiata) in India

Sword beans has been recommended as a sustainable way to address protein malnutrition and provide nutritional security. Sword bean is a good supplement to a cereal-based diet due to its protein content being higher than that in any other legumes and crops, and it is known to be resistant to attack of insect pests and diseases. However, the sword bean was found to be severely infested by a complex of invasive whitefly species in India. Three species of whiteflies were identified for the infestations based on morphological features and molecular characterization by sequencing of mtCOI. The species were confirmed as Tetraleurodes acaciae (Quaintance) (legume whitefly), Paraleyrodes bondari Peracchi, (Bondar’s nesting whitefly) and Aleurodicus dispersus Russell (spiralling whitefly). Although mixed infection of these species was observed on the same leaves, populations of P. bondari were more on upper and lower surfaces of matured and older leaves, while populations of T. acaciae were observed on the lower surface of younger leaves. The population of A. dispersus was negligible when compared to the other two identified species. This is the first report of T. acaciae and P. bondari on sword bean. Severe incidences of P. bondari infestation on this legume could be devastating and a cause of concern. Regular monitoring may be needed to check its spread to other legume crops which are very important for food and nutritional security.