Journal of Pest Science (2011) 84, 419-427
Bao-Li Qiu, Fang Dang, Shao-Jian Li, Muhammad Z. Ahmed, Feng-Liang Jin, Shun-Xiang Ren and Andrew G.S. Cuthbertson (2011)
Comparison of biological parameters between the invasive B biotype and a new defined Cv biotype of Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyradidae) in China
Journal of Pest Science 84 (4), 419-427
Abstract: The sweetpotato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) is a widely distributed and destructive agricultural pest on various host plants. The biology of two biotypes of B. tabaci: the invasive B and a new defined Cv biotype, on a range of host plants (hibiscus, laurel, poinsettia, collard, cucumber and tomato) were studied in the laboratory. Results revealed that the developmental periods of the B biotype immatures were not significantly different on the tested host plants except those between laurel and collard. The Cv biotype immatures developed significantly slower on cucumber and tomato than on the other plants. B. tabaci B biotype had the highest survivorship on collard (68.55%), and the lowest on laurel (33.24%), while the Cv biotype had the highest and lowest survivorships on laurel (61.63%) and tomato (36.74%). Host plants did not significantly affect the pre-ovipostion period regardless of biotype. The longest averaged longevity and highest fecundity of B biotype were both recorded on collard: 25.15 days and 143.0 eggs. The highest fecundity of Cv biotype was 196.49 eggs on laurel and its longest longevity was on hibiscus (19.62 days). The intrinsic rate of natural increase (r m) of B biotype on the three vegetables were all higher than those on the three ornamentals whereas the r m of Cv biotype on the three ornamentals were all higher that those on the three vegetables. Our research indicates that B. tabaci B and Cv biotypes have different host plant suitabilities. The three tested vegetables were more suitable for B biotype while the three tested ornamental plants were more suitable for Cv biotype. The potential mechanism for the different suitability of B and Cv biotypes on various host plants is also discussed.
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Link to article at publishers website
Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
general biology - morphology - evolution
