Abstract
The Bemisia tabaci species complex is one of the most important pests of open field and protected cropping globally. Within this complex, one species (Middle East Asia Minor 1, B. tabaci MEAM1, formerly biotype B) has been especially problematic, invading widely and spreading a large variety of plant pathogens, and developing broad spectrum pesticide resistance. Here, we fit a CLIMEX model to the distribution records of B. tabaci MEAM1, using experimental observations to calibrate its temperature responses. In fitting the model, we consider the effects of irrigation and glasshouses in extending its potential range. The validated niche model estimates its potential distribution as being considerably broader than its present known distribution, especially in the Americas, Africa and Asia. The potential distribution of the fitted model encompasses the known distribution of B. tabaci sensu lato, highlighting the magnitude of the threat posed globally by this invasive pest species complex and the viruses it vectors to open field and protected agriculture.
Highlights
Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) is best described as being a cryptic species complex composed of numerous morphologically indistinguishable species (De Barro et al, 2011)
The known distribution of B. tabaci MEAM1 overlaps that of MED in places in the Mediterranean, North America, Central America and northern China
In China, both species are found far to the north of their modelled potential distribution, as far north as Beijing. We attribute this to B. tabaci MED and MEAM1 probably overwintering in greenhouses, which are abundant in this region and recognized using Google Earth
Summary
Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) is best described as being a cryptic species complex composed of numerous morphologically indistinguishable species (De Barro et al, 2011). One member of the complex, Middle East-Asia Minor 1 (silverleaf whitefly; formerly known as biotype B, hereon B. tabaci MEAM1) has become invasive. B. tabaci MEAM1 is believed to have originated in the Middle-East/Asia Minor region and has since spread to all continents except to Antarctica through trade in ornamentals (Cheek and Macdonald, 1994; Dalton, 2006). Horticultural and ornamental crops occurs through feeding and the transmission of plant viruses, in particular the begomovirus group of Geminiviridae. The rise in the importance of these viruses as crop pathogens has mirrored the spread of the invasive members of the B. tabaci complex as its broadly polyphagous nature has enabled it to recruit begomoviruses from non-crop hosts and move them into crop species (Jones, 2003)
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