Year-end Sale % OFF 
Abstract
Bemisia tabaci is a cryptic species complex that requires the use of molecular tools for identification. The most widely used approach for achieving this is the partial sequencing of the mitochondrial DNA cytochrome oxidase I gene (COI). A more reliable single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-based genotyping approach, using Nextera restriction-site-associated DNA (NextRAD) sequencing, has demonstrated the existence of six major haplogroups of B. tabaci on cassava in Africa. However, NextRAD sequencing is costly and time-consuming. We, therefore, developed a cheaper and more rapid diagnostic using the Kompetitive Allele-Specific PCR (KASP) approach. Seven sets of primers were designed to distinguish the six B. tabaci haplogroups based on the NextRAD data. Out of the 152 whitefly samples that were tested using these primer sets, 151 (99.3%) produced genotyping results consistent with NextRAD. The KASP assay was designed using NextRAD data on whiteflies from cassava in 18 countries across sub-Saharan Africa. This assay can, therefore, be routinely used to rapidly diagnose cassava B. tabaci by laboratories that are researching or monitoring this pest in Africa. This is the first study to develop an SNP-based assay to distinguish B. tabaci whiteflies on cassava in Africa, and the first application of the KASP technique for insect identification.
Highlights
The whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius; Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), with a host range of over 1000 plant species, is considered one of the most damaging crop pests worldwide
The Kompetitive Allele-Specific PCR (KASP) genotyping results were consistent with Nextera restriction-site-associated DNA (NextRAD) genotyping (99.3%) with the exception of one sample
This study presents a KASP assay for the routine monitoring of cassava Bemisia tabaci in sub-Saharan
Summary
The whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius; Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), with a host range of over 1000 plant species, is considered one of the most damaging crop pests worldwide. The greatest damage caused is by the vectoring of over 300 plant viruses [1]. In Africa, B. tabaci transmits viruses that cause cassava mosaic disease (CMD) and cassava brown streak disease (CBSD) [2,3]. The occurrence of biotypes or host races of the whitefly B. tabaci was described in the 1950s after the discovery that morphologically indistinguishable populations of B. tabaci differed with respect to host range, host–plant adaptability, and plant virus transmission capabilities [8]. Identification of B. tabaci relied on morphological characterization involving the examination of slide-mounted specimens of fourth instar nymphs [9]. Some characteristics of the fourth instar are influenced by prevailing
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
