Populations of Bemisia tabaci in Hawaii (US)
In 1991 two biotypes of Bemisia tabaci have been identified in Arizona (US) which were designated as the A and B biotype of the pest. These biotypes reproduced at different rates on different hosts and the B biotype is capable of inducing symptoms of silverleaf and severe growing disorders in vegetables.
In Hawaii (US), a survey was conducted to determine which biotype is present on the islands in order to evaluate possibilities for IPM programmes. Using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis it was determined that only the B biotype of the whitefly is present on Hawaii. The A biotype could not be detected. During this survey, reproducing populations of B. tabaci were also found on taro (Colocasia esculenta) and papaya which have not been reported as hosts before and which might have severe implications for the Pacific region.
This item has been available in INFOEPPO since 1993-05-24!
Sources
Costa, H.S.; Johnson, M.W.; Ullman, D.E.; Omer, A.D.; Tabashnik, B.E (1993) Sweet potato whitefly (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae): Analysis of biotypes and distribution in Hawaii.
Environmental Entomology 86, 16-20.