Journal of Applied Entomology (2005) 129, 382-385

C. Callejas, A. Velasco, A. Gobbi, F. Beitia and M.D. Ochando (2005)
Fast discrimination (RAPD-PCR) of the species forming the pest complex Aleurodicus dispersus-Lecanoideus floccissimus (Hom: Aleyrodidae)
Journal of Applied Entomology 129 (7), 382-385
Abstract: The Aleurodicus dispersus-Lecanoideus floccissimus complex has become a very important agricultural pest in the Canaries. These species are not easily differentiated by their morphological characteristics. The aim of the present study was to obtain genetic markers to unambiguously distinguish both species of this complex. Thus, six random primers were employed to generate RAPD markers. Different RAPD profiles were observed for the different species. The analysis successfully identified 39 reproducible and specific markers for L. floccissimus and 51 for A. dispersus, i.e. bands present in all individuals of one species but never in the other. RAPD markers resulted a useful tool for discriminate both species. Early identification of species and also of biotypes is crucial when designing control strategies to avoid the spread of the pest and consequently the considerable economic losses it causes in tropical crops.
(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): M. Dolores Ochando

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

---

Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Aleurodicus dispersus		Spain (Canary Is.)
	Lecanoideus floccissimus		Spain (Canary Is.)