José Luis Cenis

Biotype Q ofBemisia tabaci identified in Israel

The biotype status of samples of the whiteflyBemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) collected from several field and greenhouse sites in Israel during 1999–2000 was determined by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) for general esterases, and by RAPD-PCR using primers of arbitrary sequence. Results of this survey provide the first published evidence for the occurrence of theB. tabaci Q biotype, alongside the more widely distributed B biotype. Based on the collected samples, it appears that both the B and Q biotypes are present in Israel, and that field populations consist of a mixture of the two biotypes. A possible link betweenB. tabaci biotypes and insecticide resistance is discussed.

Genetic relationships among biotypes of Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) based on AFLP analysis

Genetic similarities between 13 samples belonging to nine reference biotypes and two field populations of Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius), one field population of B. medinae Gómez-Menor and another of B. afer Priesner & Hosny, were evaluated using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers. The results indicate that B. tabaci biotypes can be grouped together with a minimum similarity coefficient of 0.32 and separated from the two other species with a similarity coefficient of 0.07. Bemisia tabaci biotypes were grouped in four clusters which comprised: (i) Near East and Indian subcontinent biotypes; (ii) B and Q biotypes plus a Nigerian population from cowpea; (iii) New World A biotype; and (iv) S biotype and a Nigerian population from cassava. These results were consistent with a previous grouping of biotypes based on RAPD-PCR analysis. The AFLP assay allowed the scoring of a total of 354 polymorphic bands in two reaction events with the use of two primer combinations.

PCR-RFLP identification ofBemisia tabaci biotypes in the Mediterranean Basin

At least 20 genetic biotypes, with varying degrees of biological characterization, are currently recognized within theBemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) species complex. Their identification relies on a set of different molecular techniques. However, none of the available markers is completely adequate, due to technical difficulties or lack of reproducibility. We therefore developed a method for rapid biotyping ofB. tabaci populations. The five biotypes (B, Q, M, S and T) reported until now in the Mediterranean Basin have been tested by PCR amplification of the cytochrome oxidase I mitochondrial gene followed by restriction with the enzymeTru9I. The digestion patterns produced by this enzyme were able to identify the five biotypes clearly. Digestion with another enzyme,TaqI, discriminated only between biotypes B and Q. The newly developed method enables rapid biotyping and can be applied in studies aimed at assessing biotype distribution and competition at least in the Mediterranean area.

Note: Current status ofBemisia tabaci in Coastal Croatia

Bemisia tabaci was first noted in Croatia in 2000, when it was identified in Split County, Dalmatia. Thirty-one plant species were identified as hosts of this pest in the central Adriatic region during 2001–2002. Four adult populations were analyzed at CIDA (Spain) by comparing a fragment of the COI gene of the mitochondrial DNA, and by examining a single microsatellitelocus. The results indicated a predominance of the Q biotype. The population dynamics ofB. tabaci was examined in outdoor conditions by observing populations fromIpomoea purpurea in 2002. The pest population appeared at the beginning of June and increased in number until its decline at the beginning of October.