Studies on the biotypes of Bemisia tabaci in France and Tunisia
France (Guirao et al., 1997):
Studies were carried out in Côte-d’Azur to characterize the biotypes of Bemisia tabaci (EPPO A2 quarantine pest) present. Larvae and adults of B. tabaci were collected in glasshouses of ornamental plants in the regions of Hyères and Antibes, in glasshouses of the floral exhibition in Nice and from wild plants in Antibes and along the Var coast. Collected populations were tested by using the RAPD-PCR technique and the induction of squash silverleaf symptom in the laboratory. Results showed that all tested populations belonged to the B biotype (also referred to as B. argentifolii).
Tunisia (Chemiti et al., 1997):
Larvae and adults of B. tabaci were collected from various host plants (vegetables and ornamentals plants grown outdoor or under glass) and from various geographical regions in Tunisia, from April to November 1996. Collected populations were tested by using the RAPD-PCR technique. Results showed that both B biotype and non-B biotype are present in Tunisia, but their occurrence could not be related to host plants or geographical areas. In some populations, both biotypes could be observed. The B biotype could be identified on tomato, capsicum, cucumber, watermelon, melon, Lantana camara, Cistrum nocturnum. Non-B biotype was found on Lantana camara, and cucurbits. In addition, two species of parasitoids were identified in the tested populations: Eretmocerus mundus and Encarsia transvena. Only E. mundus was present in all biotopes, E. transvena was essentially found on populations of B. tabaci on outdoor Lantana plants.
Sources
Chemiti, B.; Braham, M.; Cenis, J.L.; Alonso, C.; Beitia, F. (1997) Sur la présence en Tunisie des biotypes ‘B’ et ‘non B’ de Bemisia tabaci (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) et de leurs parasitoïdes associés.
IOBC WPRS Bulletin, 20(4), 108-113.
Guirao, P.; Onillon, J.C.; Beitia, F.; Cenis, J.L. (1997) Présence en France du biotype ‘B’ de Bemisia tabaci.
Phytoma – La Défense des Végétaux, no. 498, 46-48.