Rugose spiraling whitefly (RSW), Aleurodicus rugioperculatus has been recognized as an economically significant pest, causing serious concerns in various regions of the country. Its polyphagous nature is enabling it to feed on a wide range of host plants which contributes to its invasive potential and the resultant economic impact. To establish a comprehensive molecular database of RSW and validate the genetic variation within the species, sampling was conducted across different geographic regions of the country. Genomic DNA was extracted from the collected RSW samples using the Cetyl Trimethyl Ammonium Bromide (CTAB) method. The molecular identity of the RSW specimens was confirmed through a NCBI BLAST search and all the analyzed nucleotide sequences have been deposited in the International GenBank (NCBI), USA, under accession numbers OP024187 to OP024192, OP024194, and OP024195. Phylogenetic analysis of the collected samples, comprising 15 populations and 7 host species, revealed existing genetic distance within the RSW populations. Specifically, the Tamil Nadu population obtained from a coconut plantation exhibited the maximum genetic distance compared to the other populations. This finding highlights the distinct genetic characteristics of this particular RSW population, suggesting variations in its adaptation.
Keywords: Rugose Spiraling Whitefly; DNA Barcoding; Molecular Phylogenetics; Host Plants; Species Identification.
Citation: Sankarganesh, E. et al., (2025). Mitochondrial COI Gene Sequences Based Molecular Variation in Rugose Spiraling Whitefly [Aleurodicus rugioperculatus Martin] (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) Species from Different Geographic Locations of India. Adv Earth & Env Sci; 6(2):1-8. DOI : https://doi.org/10.47485/2766-2624.1066