Identification, geographical distribution and host plants of Bemisia tabaci (Genn.) biotypes (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) in the State of Paraná, Brazil

Abstract

This work was carried out in order to identify Bemisia tabaci (Genn.) biotypes present in the state of Paraná and to determine their geographical distribution and host plants. About 50 adults were collected in several host crops, weeds and ornamental plants in North, Northwest, Northeast, West and Central areas of the state, from January to May, 1998 and 1999. The species were identified by means of RAPD-PCR, using the primer Operon H-16. Whitefly populations were detected mainly from February on, in both years, seldom achieving more than one adult per leaf. The insect was found in only 66% of the sampled areas. Bean golden mosaic was almost never observed during the period. Both biotype A and biotype B of B. tabaci were found in the State of Paraná, the last one being more restricted to the north region. Although biotype B was found colonising a wider range of host plants, it has not spread out in all the state and most of the whitefly specimens found are still the biotype A. A banding pattern distinct of those obtained for A and biotype B of B. tabaci was obtained exclusively with the populations collected from cassava, thus indicating the possible presence of a biotype specific for this crop.