Distribution and identity of biotypes of Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) in member countries of the Secretariat of the Pacific Community

Abstract

Samples of Bemisia tabaci were obtained from 18 Pacific island countries between October 1996 and June 1997. All countries were found to host at least one biotype of B. tabaci. The occurrence of the B biotype in the Cook Islands, Guam and New Caledonia was confirmed, and the B biotype was newly recorded from American Samoa, Fiji, Marshall Islands, Niue, Northern Mariana Islands and French Polynesia (Tahiti). A new biotype, herein designated as the Nauru biotype, was found in American Samoa, Fiji, Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, Tonga, Tuvalu and Western Samoa. This biotype was subsequently found in Taiwan. A third biotype, identical to the Australian form of B. tabaci, was found in New Caledonia, Niue, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. The clarification of the distribution of the B biotype will enable countries to develop quarantine strategies that will help reduce the spread of this pest to unaffected countries. The results also indicate trade routes that are more likely to lead to an introduction of the B biotype.