Demographic Traits and Population Projection of Solanum Whitefly, Aleurothrixus trachoides (Back) on Chilli

Biological traits of solanum whitefly, Aleurothrixus trachoides (Back) were determined at 25±3°C, 70±5% relative humidity, and a photoperiod 12:12h (L:D) on Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.). The pre-adult development consisted of five stages (egg and four nymphal stages) with the mean duration of 7.52, 6.43, 6.04, 4.65 and 5.03 days, respectively. The mean pre-oviposition period was 2.41 days. Adult longevity averaged 10.84 days in males and 13.63 days in females, with total life span of 40.05 and 43.67 days, respectively. The mean fecundity per female was 104.45 eggs. The intrinsic rate of increase (r) of A. trachoides was 0.10 per day. The highest net reproduction rate (Ro) was 53.27 offspring per individual. The mean generation time (T) was 37.91 days. From the life table data, the 60-day projection of population growth revealed the sudden surge in the total population from the 30th day, suggesting that timely control measures are most effective within this specific period to manage this emerging pest.