Ovipositional preference of Siphoninus phillyreae and its fitness on seven host plant species

Abstract

AbstractThe relationship between ovipositional preference of Siphoninus phillyreae (Haliday) (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) and host plant suitability on seven host plant species (Citrus sinensis (L.) cv. ‘Washington’ [navel orange], Fraxinus uhdei (Wenz.) [shamel ash], Heteromeles arbutifolia Roemer [toyon], Malus domestica Mill. cv. ‘Granny Smith’ [apple], Pistacia vera L. cv. ‘Kerman’ [pistachio], Prunus persica (L.) cv. ‘O'Henry’ [peach], and Pyrus communis L. cv. ‘Bartlett’ [pear]) was evaluated. Ovipositional preference of S. phillyreae was determined by measuring egg density after adult female whiteflies were given a simultaneous choice of all host plants for oviposition. Immature survival, developmental time, and adult size were examined to determine host plant suitability for S. phillyreae. All studies were performed under greenhouse conditions. S. phillyreae showed distinct ovipositional preference among host plant species. Host plant species had a significant effect on immature survival, but little or no effect on developmental time or forewing length. For four of the seven host plant species tested, there was an association between ovipositional preference and survival.