Studies on geographical populations of Bemisia tabaci in China
Bemisia tabaci (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae – EPPO A2 list) occurs in many parts of China but until the late 1990s, it was not considered as a major pest. But in recent years, outbreaks and serious damage were reported in most Chinese provinces. Earlier studies showed that populations of B. tabaci from Beijing, Guangzhou*, Xi’an (Shaanxi), Tulufan (Xinjiang*) and Shandong belonged to B-biotype, whereas populations from Guangxi and Fujian were identified as non B-biotype. Further molecular studies were made on populations of B. tabaci from different Chinese provinces (Jiangsu, Henan*, Hainan, Shandong, Shanghai, Beijing, Yunnan) and compared with populations from USA (Arizona, California, Texas – all B-biotype) and Israel (biotypes B and Q). Results showed that populations from Beijing, Henan, Shandong, Jiangu, Shangai and Hainan were B-biotype. These formed a clade with the known B-biotype populations from Texas, California and Israel. The population collected from Yunnan (previously reported as non B-biotype) could be assigned to Q-biotype, and is a close relative to the Q-biotype found in the Mediterranean region.
___________
* new detailed records according to the EPPO Secretariat.
Sources
Chu D, Zhang YJ, Cong B, Xu BY, Wu QJ, Zhu GR (2005 ) Sequence analysis of mtDNA COI gene and molecular phylogeny of different geographical populations of Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius). Agricultural Sciences in China 4(7), 533-541.