First record of the Q Biotype of the sweetpotato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci, intercepted in the UK

Abstract

For the UK, Bemisia tabaci poses a threat primarily to protected vegetable crops due to the transmission of several plant-pathogenic viruses. There are at least 24 different biotypes of B. tabaci that cannot be differentiated through morphological traits. The B (Middle East-Asia Minor 1 species) and Q (Mediterranean species) biotypes are widely considered to be the most important and, as such, the ability to rapidly and precisely biotype B. tabaci interceptions is vital when developing effective control strategies. Intercepted adult/pupal B. tabaci received from the UK Plant Health and Seeds Inspectorate (PHSI) during 2002-2003 (n060) and 2010-2011 (n042) were both biotyped and tested for the presence of Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) and Tomato yellow leaf curl Sardinia virus (TYLCSV) using a real-time PCR assay based on TaqMan® chemistry. The positive results indicated that during 2002-2003 the Q biotype comprised 68.3 % of the interceptions whilst in 2010-2011 it comprised 66.7 % of the B. tabaci samples intercepted. Only three of the B biotypes collected during 2002-2003 were positive for TYLCSV, two originating from Israel and the other of unknown origin. The implications in regards to pest management of the insect are discussed.

Tri-Tek (Petroleum Horticultural Oil) and Beauveria bassiana: Use in Eradication Strategies for Bemisia tabaci Mediterranean Species in UK Glasshouses

“…Bemisia tabaci Mediterranean is the dominant whitefly entering the UK on imported plant material [ 12 ]. This whitefly is widely considered to evolve stable resistance to the neonicotinoid insecticides commonly used for Bemisia control more rapidly than MEAM1 [ 29 ].…”

“…Bemisia tabaci Mediterranean species [ 12 ] was cultured under quarantine conditions in perspex cages (60 cm × 60 cm × 80 cm) on poinsettia ( Euphorbia pulcherrima Wild. ex Klotzsch c.v Lilo Pink (Euphorbiaceae)) plants as hosts at 23 ± 1 °C with a 16:8 h Light:Dark (L:D) regime and an artificial dawn and dusk [ 22 ].…”

“…Bemisia tabaci continues to be regularly intercepted in the UK on imported plant material, mainly associated with poinsettia cuttings [ 10 ], where it is subject to statutory controls aimed at eradication [ 10 , 11 ]. In recent years there has been a shift from MEAM1 to Mediterranean species (formerly known as Q biotype) entering the UK [ 12 ]. This has led to increased problems in regards to eradication strategies currently employed due to increased chemical resistance shown by B. tabaci Mediterranean.…”

Detection of Tomato yellow leaf curl virus in imported tomato fruit in northern Europe

“…In control screens, TYLCD‐associated viruses and B . tabaci are regularly intercepted in new regions (Caciagli, ; Powell et al ., ). Thus, the threat of TYLCD to become widespread in Europe is a reality with the movement of TYLCV‐infected tomato material and appearance of B. tabaci in the fields and greenhouses of southern Europe, and in greenhouses of more northern areas (Picó et al ., ; Briddon, ; Powell et al ., ).…”

“…tabaci are regularly intercepted in new regions (Caciagli, ; Powell et al ., ). Thus, the threat of TYLCD to become widespread in Europe is a reality with the movement of TYLCV‐infected tomato material and appearance of B. tabaci in the fields and greenhouses of southern Europe, and in greenhouses of more northern areas (Picó et al ., ; Briddon, ; Powell et al ., ). For example, in 2007, a TYLCV outbreak in the western part of the Netherlands was reported in 20 neighbouring tomato‐producing greenhouses; the outbreak resulted from a single introduction of the virus and B. tabaci further accounted for the local spread (Botermans et al ., ).…”