Bulletin of Entomological Research (2010) 100, 359-366

J. Xu, P.J. De Barro and S.S. Liu (2010)
Reproductive incompatibility among genetic groups of Bemisia tabaci supports the proposition that the whitefly is a cryptic species complex
Bulletin of Entomological Research 100 (3), 359-366
Abstract: The worldwide distribution and extensive genetic diversity of the whitefly Bemisia tabaci has long been recognized. However, whether B. tabaci is a complex species or a species complex has been a subject of debate. Recent phylogenetic analyses suggest that B. tabaci is a cryptic species complex composed of at least 24 morphologically indistinguishable species. Here, we conducted crossing experiments and demonstrated reproductive incompatibility among three of the 24 putative species. Our data and those of previously reported crossing experiments among various putative species of B. tabaci were collated to reveal the pattern of reproductive isolation. The combined results provide strong support to the proposition that B. tabaci is a cryptic species complex.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Shu-Sheng Liu, Paul J. De Barro

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
identification/taxonomy

---

Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Bemisia tabaci