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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Fort Pierce, Florida » U.S. Horticultural Research Laboratory » Subtropical Insects and Horticulture Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #184868
Title: "Q" BIOTYPE WHITEFLY: HOW BIG A THREAT"

Author
item STANSLY, PHIL - UNIV OF FL, IFAS, WFREC
item McKenzie, Cindy

Submitted to: Tomato Institute
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/1/2005
Publication Date: 11/7/2005
Citation: Stansly, P., McKenzie, C.L. 2005. "Q" biotype whitefly: How big a threat". Tomato Institute.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: A new strain of Bemisia tabaci, “Q” biotype, was first detected in the US on poinsettias purchased at a retail outlet during December 2004 in Tucson by a team from the University of Arizona. The plants were said to have been purchased from a wholesale dealer in California. Although indistinguishable in appearance from silverleaf whitefly, these insects proved markedly less susceptible to pyriproxyfen, buprofezin, imidacloprid, acetamiprid, and thiamethoxam. Electrophoresis, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase 1 gene revealed their unique genetic identity. The debut of a new whitefly on poinsettia is reminiscent of a scenario 19 years ago that culminated unprecedented losses for Florida tomato growers and new pest pandemic. Are we in for an equally devastating invasion? The history of whitefly biotypes, comparisons of B versus Q biotypes, likely impact of biotype Q in Florida, past and current whitefly surveys and current action plans are discussed.