PLoS ONE (2014) 9 (6 - e100423)
Yi-Wei Fang, Ling-Yun Liu, Hua-Li Zhang, De-Feng Jiang and Dong Chu (2014)
Competitive ability and fitness differences between two introduced populations of the invasive whitefly Bemisia tabaci Q in China
PLoS ONE 9 (6 - e100423)
Abstract:
Background
Our long-term field survey revealed that the Cardinium infection rate in Bemisia tabaci Q (also known as biotype Q) population was low in Shandong, China over the past few years. We hypothesize that (1) the Cardinium-infected (C+) B. tabaci Q population cannot efficiently compete with the Cardinium-uninfected (C−) B. tabaci Q population; (2) no reproductive isolation may have occurred between C+ and C−; and (3) the C− population has higher fitness than the C+ population.
Methodology and Results
To reveal the differences in competitive ability and fitness between the two introduced populations (C+ and C−), competition between C+ and C− was examined over several generations. Subsequently, the reproductive isolation between C+ and C− was studied by crossing C+ with C− individuals, and the fitnesses of C+ and C− populations were compared using a two-sex life table method. Our results demonstrate that the competitive ability of the C+ whiteflies was weaker than that of C−. There is that no reproductive isolation occurred between the two populations and the C− population had higher fitness than the C+ population.
Conclusion
The competitive ability and fitness differences of two populations may explain why C− whitefly populations have been dominant during the past few years in Shandong, China. However, the potential role Cardinium plays in whitefly should be further explored.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Full text of article
Database assignments for author(s): Dong Chu
Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
general biology - morphology - evolution
Pest and/or beneficial records:
| Beneficial | Pest/Disease/Weed | Crop/Product | Country | Quarant.
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bemisia tabaci biotype MED |
