Abstract
The sweetpotato whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) continues to be a serious threat to crops worldwide. The UK holds Protected Zone status against this pest and, as a result, B. tabaci entering on plant material is subjected to a policy of eradication. There has recently been a shift from Middle East-Asia Minor 1 to the more chemical resistant Mediterranean species entering the UK. Predatory mites (Amblyseius swirskii, Transeius montdorensis and Typhlodromalus limonicus) were screened for their impact upon various lifestages of B. tabaci Mediterranean species. Approximately 30% of eggs were fed upon by A. swirskii following a 5 day period. Feeding rates slightly decreased for all mite species when feeding on first instar life-stages (27%, 24%, 16% respectively) and significantly decreased when feeding on second instars (8.5%, 8.5%, 8.7% respectively). Combining the two mite species (A. swirskii and T. montdorensis) increased mortality of Bemisia eggs to 36%. The potential of incorporating the mites into existing control strategies for B. tabaci is discussed.
Highlights
The whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) is an obligate phloem-feeding pest, which is globally distributed, being found in all continents except Antarctica [1]
T. montdorensis) increased mortality of Bemisia eggs to 36%
Through the comparison of mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase 1 these 11 genetic biotypes can be mapped to Asia 1 (M, H); Australia/Indonesia, Australia (AN); China (Non B) Asia II (G, K, P); Asia II India, Italy (T); Sub-Saharan Africa non-silverleafing (E,S); New World (A, D); Africa/Middle East/Asia Minor
Summary
The whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) is an obligate phloem-feeding pest, which is globally distributed, being found in all continents except Antarctica [1]. It affects more than 600 recognized plant hosts of both agricultural and horticultural crops and ornamental plants [2,3,4]. It is the Middle East-Asia Minor 1 and Mediterranean species that are the two most widely distributed, and as a result, best known species. B. tabaci Mediterranean in order to determine their potential to be incorporated into existing eradication strategies
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