Performance of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Bemisia tabaci</Emphasis> Biotype B on Soybean Genotypes

Bemisia tabaci (Genn.) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) has been recognized as an important pest of many agricultural systems including soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] crops. As an alternative to chemical control, the use of resistant genotypes represents an important tool for integrated pest management (IPM). This study aimed to evaluate the biological development of Bemisia tabaci biotype B confined on 13 soybean genotypes under greenhouse conditions. Initially, the nymphal period, complete development period (egg–adult), and the viability of the silverleaf whitefly nymphs were evaluated in all genotypes. Then, four genotypes promising for resistance (‘Jackson,’ UX-2569-159, ‘P98Y11,’ and ‘TMG132 RR’) and a susceptible genotype (PI-227687) were selected for further assays, where two insect populations were compared: a first population from the initial rearing (cabbage plants) and another corresponding to insects previously reared out on the selected genotypes. In addition to the parameters evaluated in preliminary tests, we also determined the viability and incubation period of eggs. Moderate levels of resistance (antibiosis/antixenosis) to B. tabaci biotype B were found in three genotypes. ‘P98Y11’ and ‘TMG132 RR’ were less suitable for insect development, extending the development cycle, and UX-2569-159 caused high nymphal mortality. We did not observe a significant increase in the level of plant resistance by the use of previously stressed insects. This suggests that the evaluation of a single whitefly generation may be sufficient to make correct decisions on promising soybean genotypes.     

Feeding behavior of Brevicoryne brassicae in resistant and susceptible collard greens genotypes: interactions among morphological and chemical factors

The cabbage aphid, Brevicoryne brassicae (L.) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), is distributed throughout the tropical and subtropical areas of the world. The main crops attacked by B. brassicae are cabbage, collard greens, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower. To survive the attack of pest insects, plants have evolved various resistance mechanisms that may affect pest feeding behavior. The use of electronic monitoring through EPG (electrical penetration graph) can help characterize and distinguish the resistance mechanisms involved. This study evaluated the feeding behavior of B. brassicae in eight genotypes of collard greens, Brassica oleraceae L. var. acephala (Brassicaceae), exhibiting antixenosis and/or antibiosis resistance to this insect. Possible correlations were established between the glucosinolate levels, the hardness, and the epicuticular wax on the leaves vs. aphid feeding behavior. On the genotypes 22V, 5E, and 27VA, for which many ‘potential drop’ waves were performed, aphid development was slower, indicating antixenosis as resistance type. Aphids on the genotypes 22V and 24X required more time until accessing the phloem, also suggesting antixenosis as resistance category. Genotypes 22V and PE had hard leaves, which also points at antixenosis. Genotypes 20T and HS had higher total wax and wax mg⁻¹. Feeding parameters on ARI and 24X were similar to those observed on HS; antibiosis is likely to be the predominant resistance category of this germplasm. Because HS was considered as a susceptible standard genotype in this study, a higher gluconapin amount indicates that this compound does not influence cabbage aphid feeding behavior. The present study confirms that analysis of the physical and chemical aspects of collard greens genotypes by the EPG technique can provide a useful approach for the study of plant resistance to cabbage aphids.     

Use of Micro-Tom cultivar in a <Emphasis Type="Italic">Bemisia tabaci</Emphasis> biotype B interaction study

Tomatoes of the Micro-Tom cultivar, Solanum lycopersicum L. (Solanaceae), are small, have a short life cycle, high-density growth, high-efficiency protocols for genetic transformation, and hormonal and morphological mutants. These characteristics make this cultivar a good candidate as a helpful tool in resistance studies against the whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius 1889) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae). The insect behavior in the Micro-Tom cultivar was observed through free-choice and no-choice oviposition preference tests and life cycle in lab conditions, having as reference the Santa Clara cultivar. In these tests, behavioral and biological insect parameters were obtained and the purpose was used to assess the trichome absence effect on oviposition with the hairless mutant. In the studies for oviposition preference, no difference was observed among the three material obtained. A nymphal stage prolongation and a low nymph viability with an adult longevity reduction were observed in relation to the Santa Clara in the Micro-Tom cultivar and hairless mutant. The Micro-Tom cultivar and hairless mutant do not present antixenotic effects to the oviposition. Mutation present in the hairless mutant does not alter the results observed in the ‘Micro-Tom.’ In general, the absence of the trichome did not reduce the Micro-Tom susceptibility to the oviposition. Antibiosis was observed in the Micro-Tom and it was discussed considering its association with salicylic and jasmonic acids, and brassinosteroid levels. These results show that this cultivar is a pest host and suitable for greenhouse and lab tests, in addition to being able to be used as a susceptibility standard for antixenosis.     

Resistance of cotton genotypes with different leaf colour and trichome density to Bemisia tabaci biotype B

The silverleaf whitefly (SLW), Bemisia tabaci biotype B, is considered one of the most serious pests in cotton worldwide. Its control is based on the use of pesticides, which are well‐known for their harmful effects on non‐target organisms and the environment. Here, we examined resistance of several cotton genotypes in terms of antixenosis and antibiosis against SLW. We also investigated the mechanisms of cotton genotypes involved in antixenosis against SLW by correlating with leaf trichome density and leaf colour parameters. In choice tests, we selected resistant cotton genotypes, Gossypium hirsutum palmeri, Aubum 56‐7, G. hirsutum morrilli, Mocó, Nu‐16 (B2 B3 B6)‐ 78/658, Paymaster 53‐816 and ‘IAC 23’, based on SLW oviposition and host preference. No‐choice tests with these genotypes confirmed antixenosis effect on SLW; however, no antibiosis resistance was detected in terms of developmental period and adult emergence rate. We found SLW oviposition preference was positively correlated with trichome density in the abaxial leaf surface, while adult host preference was mostly explained by high levels of green intensity of adaxial surface. Nevertheless, both SLW oviposition and host preference were negatively correlated with the lightness level of adaxial leaf surface. Probably, the underlying mechanism of cotton resistance is based on more than just these two parameters, but our study will contribute to selecting resistant cotton genotypes and helps to understand the mechanisms involved in cotton resistance against SLW. To our best knowledge, this is the first work showing that cotton leaf colour parameters are related to resistance against SLW.     

Water stress and kaolin spray affect herbivorous insects’ success on cotton

Ecological hypotheses of plant–insect herbivore interactions suggest that insects perform better on weakened plants and plants grown under optimal conditions are less damaged. This study tested the hypothesis that the colonization and oviposition rates by pests with different feeding strategies and levels of specialization are affected in different ways by two conditions commonly faced by commercially grown plants–water deficit and application of kaolin sprays, a reducer of abiotic plant stressors. We used four major pests of cotton as insect herbivore models. Three were chewing Lepidoptera: Alabama argillacea (Hüb.), a monophagous pest on cotton; Heliothis virescens (Fabr.), which is polyphagous, but with cotton as a primary host; and Chrysodeixis includens (Walk.), which is polyphagous, with cotton as secondary host. The fourth pest was a sap-sucking species, the polyphagous whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gen.). In both choice and no-choice trials, the three chewing pests oviposited significantly less upon water-stressed plants; the greatest effect was observed for C. includens (>90 % reduction in oviposition under choice and >58 % under no-choice conditions). In contrast, the sap-sucking B. tabaci exhibited statistically more colonization and oviposition on water-stressed plants. Application of kaolin sprays reduced colonization and oviposition by all herbivore species tested, irrespective of irrigation regime and feeding strategies.     

Host preferences and biotic potential of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Trialeurodes vaporariorum</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Bemisia tabaci</Emphasis> (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) in tomato and pepper

Whiteflies Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) and Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Westwood) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) are important pests in pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) crops in many countries. Contrary to what is observed for all other countries, in Uruguay, B. tabaci is mainly found on pepper and rarely on tomato, while T. vaporariorum is exclusively found on tomato. This study tested the oviposition preferences and biotic potential of these two whiteflies reared on both host plants. The developmental time, survival rates, longevity, fecundity and main population parameters were characterized. Both whitefly species showed different preference patterns regarding their host plants. T. vaporariorum preferred tomato instead of pepper to oviposit. Their developmental time is longer on pepper. B. tabaci preferred pepper, but the difference from tomato was not very strong. Pepper affects the biotic expression of T. vaporariorum negatively, while B. tabaci is able to develop equally on both host plants. These results show that the distribution differences of both whiteflies observed on both host plants could have a biological basis.     

Factors affecting oviposition of Bemisia tabaci (Genn.) biotype B in sweet pepper

Bemisia tabaci (Gen.) biotype B is considered a pest of economical importance for several vegetables. The oviposition behaviour of the whilefly was evaluated in sweet pepper plants. The trials were carried out under greenhouse condition and in the Laboratory of Entomology of DEFERS/UNESP, Campus of Ilha Solteira-SP, with the sweet pepper Magali-R genotype. The effect of plant age on the whitefly oviposition was evaluated in free-choice tests, in plants, 25, 30, 35, 40 and 45-day-old, as egg distribution in the plant and on the leaf blade was evaluated in 35-days-old plants. In a no-choice tests, 35-day-old plants were used to evaluate the effect of the densities of 50, 100, 150, 200 and 250 adults per plant on the number of eggs laid by insects. The silverleaf whitefly preferred to oviposit on the third to sixth leaflets, of the medium and superior part of plants of sweet pepper; the leaf blade areas, located in the lobes right and left close the base of the leaf were the preferential site for whitefly oviposition. Older plants, 40- and 45-day-old, were preferentially used for oviposition, and 200 and 250 adults per plant were both enough to lay a number of eggs that allowed to differentiate among sweet pepper genotypes with different whitefly resistance levels.     

Resistance of soybean genotypes to Bemisia tabaci (Genn.) Biotype B (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae)

The silverleaf whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Genn.) biotype B has become a serious problem for soybean cultivation because it can significantly reduce soybean productivity. The use of soybean cultivars resistant to whitefly attack is an important strategy in an integrated pest management (IPM) program. This study evaluated the preference for oviposition and colonization by B. tabaci biotype B on different soybean genotypes. In the free-choice test, the genotypes studied were 'IAC 17' and 'IAC 19' as the standards for resistance and 'IAC Holambra Stwart' as the standard for susceptibility, as well as BABR01-0492, BABR01-0173, BABR01-1259, BABR01-1576, BABR99-4021HC, BABR99-4021HP, 'Barreiras', 'Conquista', 'Corisco', 'BRS Gralha', PI274454, PI227687, and PI171451. In the no-choice test, the four best genotypes selected in the free-choice test, in addition to the susceptible and resistant standards were evaluated. Our data indicated 'Barreiras' as the most resistant genotype against B. tabaci biotype B. 'BRS Gralha', which was the least attractive to whitefly adults in the free-choice test, did not show resistance to insect attack when they were confined in cages in the no-choice test. Despite the high number of eggs observed, BABR01-1576 and BABR99-4021HC showed a reduced number of nymphs, indicating antibiosis. The genotypes with a high level of resistance can be used as a tool against B. tabaci in IPM or as a source of resistance in plant-breeding programs.     

Influence of trichomes on attractiveness and ovipositional preference of Bemisia tabaci (Genn.) B biotype (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) on tomato genotypes

Brazil is one of the world's largest tomato producer, but considerable part of the production is lost due to the attack of Bemisia tabaci (Genn.) B biotype. Resistant germoplasm plants can be an important method for B. tabaci control in integrated pest management approaches. The attractiveness and ovipositional preference of B. tabaci for 17 tomato genotypes were evaluated in a free-choice test. Trials were set up in a randomized block design with ten replicates. Each replicate (one tomato plant per pot) was placed in a cage (80 x 50 x 50 cm) and infested with 1,000 adults during four days. Linear correlation tests were applied between the number of insects and eggs and number of trichomes in each tomato genotype. LA716, LA444-1 and PI134418 genotypes were the least attractive, while the 'Santa Clara' was the most attractive; PI134417 trapped the largest number of adults. LA716 genotype (4.1 eggs/leaflet and 2.1 cm2/eggs per leaflet) was the least preferred for whitefly oviposition; NAV1062, 'Fanny', LA1335, 'Santa Clara' and IAC294 were the most preferred genotypes. The glandular trichomes density was negatively correlated with whitefly's attractiveness and oviposition per leaflet and per leaf, and positively with the number of trapped insects. The non-glandular trichomes density was negatively correlated with the number of trapped insects and positively with whitefly's oviposition per cm2/leaflet andper cm2/leaf. LA716 had high antixenosis level (ovipositional nonpreference) toward B. tabaci B biotype related with type IV glandular trichome.     

Trail Chemicals of the Convergens Ladybird Beetle, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Hippodamia convergens</Emphasis>, Reduce Feeding and Oviposition by <Emphasis Type="Italic">Diaphorina citri</Emphasis> (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) on Citrus Plants

We investigated feeding and oviposition behavior of the Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri, when exposed to the foraging trails of the convergens ladybird beetle, Hippodamia convergens. Diaphorina citri females feeding on citrus leaves directly exposed to the ladybird adults or treated with trail extract excreted significantly less honeydew droplets than controls. The trail chemicals of the ladybird beetle also decreased oviposition by D. citri females on citrus. In a no-choice experiment, D. citri females preferred to oviposit on control flush and plants than those with ladybird trail-extract treatments. In two-choice experiments, 68.0% of D. citri released into cages exhibited strong selection preference for settling and eventual oviposition on control plants than plants treated with ladybird trail extract. Diaphorina citri eggs were found on all new leaf flush of control plants, whereas only 29.5% of flush on treatment plants were selected for oviposition. The trail chemical deposited by the convergens ladybird beetle elicits repellency of D. citri feeding and oviposition. Therefore, the trail chemicals my contain components that could be useful for behavior-based management of D. citri and HLB disease by reducing psyllid feeding and oviposition.     

A functional response evaluation of pre-infestation with <Emphasis Type="Italic">Bemisia tabaci</Emphasis> cryptic species MEAM1 on predation by <Emphasis Type="Italic">Propylea japonica</Emphasis> of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Myzus persicae</Emphasis> on host plant tomatoes

Herbivore feeding on host plants may induce defense responses of the plant which influence other herbivores and interacting species in the vicinity, such as natural enemies. The present work evaluated the impact of pre-infestation with the tobacco whitefly Bemisia tabaci cryptic species MEAM 1, on the predation ability of the ladybird Propylea japonica, to the green peach aphid Myzus persicae, on tomato plants. The results show that B. tabaci pre-infestation density, duration, and leaf position, can impact prey consumed by P. japonica under various aphid densities. The aphids consumed by P. japonica in each treatment were fit using the Holling type II functional response equation. The predatory efficiency (a/T _h) of P. japonica was the highest in the treatment with 60 aphids and 48-h infestation directly on damaged leaves. The predatory efficiencies of P. japonica decreased with a reduction of pre-infestation density and duration. We also observed that pre-infestation on young and undamaged leaves increased predation by P. japonica.     

Assessing Common Bean Cultivars for Resistance to the Soybean Looper <Emphasis Type="Italic">Chrysodeixis includens</Emphasis> (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

The soybean looper Chrysodeixis includens (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is known as an important pest of leguminous plants worldwide. In Brazil, this pest species is gaining importance to producers of the common bean Phaseolus vulgaris L. (Fabaceae) because it limits field production of the crop. Chemical control is still the primary method of insect control. However, due to the possible harmful effects of pesticides to humans and the environment, alternative and less aggressive practices are being investigated. For this reason, the use of resistant plant genotypes represents a valuable tool in insect control. This study evaluated the biological aspects of larvae of C. includens confined to 14 bean genotypes under laboratory conditions (26 ± 2°C; 65 ± 10% RH; photoperiod of 14 h L:10 h D). The duration of the instars, total duration of the larval phase, consumption while in the larval phase, weight of the fifth instar larvae, larval viability, duration of the pre-pupal and pupal phases, pupal weight, pupal viability, pupal deformity, caterpillar-to-adult cycle, duration of the pre-oviposition and oviposition periods, and total number of viable eggs per female were evaluated. The genotypes “IAC Boreal,” “IAC Harmonia,” and “IAC Formoso” expressed antibiosis, prolonging the caterpillar-to-adult cycle and reducing the larval viability; however, each of these genotypes also experienced high leaf consumption. “IAC Jabola” expressed moderate levels of antibiosis and/or antixenosis (feeding), while the genotype “BRS Horizonte” expressed antixenosis (feeding). The data obtained with IAC Boreal, IAC Harmonia, IAC Formoso, IAC Jabola, and BRS Horizonte are promising and may help with the improvement of programs aimed at managing C. includens damage to this leguminous agricultural crop.     

Supplemental releases of specialist parasitic wasps improve whitefly and psyllid control by <Emphasis Type="Italic">Dicyphus hesperus</Emphasis> in tomato

Dicyphus hesperus Knight (Heteroptera: Miridae) can contribute to the suppression of populations of Bemisia tabaci Gennadius (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) and Bactericera cockerelli Sulcer (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) in tomato. Nevertheless, the remaining levels of these pests could still be too high for the crop to tolerate. We thus tested here whether the combination of D. hesperus with the specialist parasitoids Eretmocerus eremicus Rose & Zolnerowich (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) (whitefly) and Tamarixia triozae (psyllid) can result in better pest control compared with methods based exclusively on single-species releases in tomato. We conducted two simultaneous experiments in tomato (‘Whitefly’ and ‘Psyllid’ Experiment), where we compared the effectiveness against B. tabaci and B. cockerelli in cages receiving releases of the predator or the specialist parasitoid alone, or in combination. Although all natural enemies reduced pest levels when released separately, the combination of D. hesperus with E. eremicus and D. hesperus with T. triozae resulted in better whitefly and psyllid control, respectively, compared with the separate releases.     

Mung bean (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Vigna radiata</Emphasis>) cultivars mediated oviposition preference and development of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Callosobruchus chinensis</Emphasis> (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Bruchinae)

The Azuki bean weevil, Callosobruchus chinensis (L.), is a destructive pest of stored mung bean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] as well as other leguminous seeds. The development of resistant seeds to manage this pest is of current great interest to plant breeders. In this study, we investigated the oviposition preference and development of C. chinensis on two susceptible mung bean cultivars (Seonhwa and Gyeongseon) and one previously reported resistant cultivar (Jangan), compared to the susceptible cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.), cultivar (Yeonbun) using both multiple-choice and no-choice tests. In addition, the development of C. chinensis was also examined at four constant temperatures (20, 25, 30, and 35 °C). Both tests found cowpea to be the most suitable seed for oviposition. Total developmental time from oviposition to adult emergence ranged from 27.01 to 38.2 days, being shortest on cowpea and longest on the mung bean, cv. Jangan. However, no successful development of C. chinensis larvae on mung bean, cv. Jangan, occurred at any temperature. The highest rate of adult emergence and the longest adult longevity both occurred on cowpea and certain mung bean cultivars (Seonhwa and Gyeongseon), with the dramatic exception of cv. Jangan. These results suggest that the higher preference and performance of C. chinensis on cowpea (3.3 egg/seed) and least on mung bean, cv. Jangan (0.4 egg/seed). This information may facilitate the exploration of resistant genetic materials and chemicals associated with seeds for successful breeding. Further studies should examine the chemicals associated with mung bean cultivars and its resistant mechanism to develop a control method against bruchines.     

Factors influencing oviposition behaviour of the sorghum midge, Contarinia sorghicola Coq.

Visual stimuli influence the orientation behaviour of the sorghum midge, Contarinia sorghicola Coq. (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae). Yellow, red and white colours are attractive to the midge while blue and black are least attractive. Sorghum panicles covered with blue- or black-coloured bags in a headcage showed maximum midge damage, while the reverse was true for panicles covered with yellow, red, and white coloured bags.
Panicles at half-anthesis with viable pollen and receptive stigmata suffered higher damage than those at the pre- and post-anthesis. Physical removal of anthers and stigmata significantly reduced the oviposition by the sorghum midge. Reduced oviposition/adult emergence was also recorded in male sterile sorghum lines (2219A and 296A) or through chemically- (Ethrel) (2-Chloro ethyl-phosphonic acid) induced male sterility in panicles of the sorghum cultivar, Swarna. Chemical stimuli from viable pollen and receptive stigmata and to a limited extent physical stimuli, govern the oviposition behaviour of the sorghum midge.
Sorghum cultivars IS 12573C, S-GIRL-MR1 and IS 2816C showed antixenosis to adult midges. However, these cultivars became susceptible under no-choice conditions in the headcage. DJ 6514 and IS 12666C were attractive to the adult midges, but showed antixenosis to oviposition under natural and no-choice conditions. Genotypes with short florets showed antixenosis for oviposition. Ovary and anther breadth and tannin content of grain showed negative associations with oviposition. Cultivar antixenosis to adult midges and oviposition is an important component of resistance to the sorghum midge.     

Detection of symbionts and virus in the whitefly <Emphasis Type="Italic">Bemisia tabaci</Emphasis> (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), vector of the <Emphasis Type="Italic">Mungbean yellow mosaic India virus</Emphasis> in Central India

Legume crops in Central India, the main soybean production area of the country, may suffer from yellow mosaic disease caused by the Mungbean yellow mosaic India virus (MYMIV). MYMIV is transmitted by the sweet potato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius), which is a species complex composed of various genetic groups. This vector species harbors different endosymbionts among regional strains and among individuals. To elucidate fundamental aspects of this virus vector in the state of Madhya Pradesh, the infection status of the symbionts and the virus in whiteflies was studied. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) survey of the whiteflies collected in Madhya Pradesh found four secondary endosymbionts, Arsenophonus, Hemipteriphilus, Wolbachia, and Cardinium, in addition to the primary endosymbiont Portiera. Arsenophonus and Hemipteriphilus were highly infected but the infection rates of Wolbachia and Cardinium were low. MYMIV was detected in whitefly populations collected from various host plants in Madhya Pradesh. The whitefly populations belonged to the Asia I and II genetic groups; several different Asia II populations were also distributed. Specific relations were not observed among symbiont infection status, virus infection, and the whitefly genetic groups in the populations of Madhya Pradesh, though Cardinium was highly detected in the Asia II-1 group. New primers, which can be used for PCR template validation and for discriminating two phylogenetically close endosymbionts, were designed.     

Wax Removal and Diamondback Moth Performance in Collards Cultivars

The diamondback moth Plutella xylostella (Linnaeus, 1758) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) is an herbivorous specialist on Brassicaceae species. Brassicas spp. plants developed a range of defenses (chemical, physical, and morphological) to prevent herbivores attack. In this study, we reported the antixenotic and antibiotic effects of outermost layer of two species of epicuticular wax of Brassicaceae, Brassica oleracea L. var. “Santo Antônio,” and Hybrid Kope F1 100MX, on larvae and adult of P. xylostella. In the choice experiment, P. xylostella adults showed an oviposition preference for collard cultivars Santo Antônio (control) and Hybrid Kope F1 100MX with wax removal. In the no-choice experiment, oviposition was 6.4 times higher in the Hybrid Kope F1 100MX with wax removal than without wax removal. There were significant differences among larvae feeding on leaf disks of Hybrid Kope F1 100MX in the treatments with (65.3 mg) and without wax removal (23.5 mg). The net reproduction rate (R ₀ ), and intrinsic (rm) and finite rates of increase (λ) of P. xylostella in the cv. Santo Antônio were bigger in the treatment without wax removal (R ₀  = 50.4, rm = 0.23 and λ = 1.26) than treatment with wax removal (R ₀  = 28.5, rm = 0.20 and λ = 1.22). However, only the R ₀ value was affected by mechanical wax removal in the Hybrid Kope F1 100MX (with wax removal R ₀  = 43.3 and without wax removal R ₀  = 30.8). In conclusion, the results indicate that collard’s wax is important to accessibility and development of P. xylostella, and its removal changes the resistance of collard’s varieties to P. xylostella.     

Root nematode infection enhances leaf defense against whitefly in tomato

The foliar response to different herbivores sharing the same hosts is an important topic for the study of plant-insect interactions. Plants evolve local and systemic resistant strategies to cope with herbivores. Many researchers have characterized the mechanisms of leaf responses to insect infestation; however, the fact that roots serve as systemic resistance modulators to leaf herbivores has been widely ignored. Here, we report that tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) plants infected with southern root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne incognita)—which feed on the roots to form nodules—enhanced leaf defenses against aboveground attackers, specifically, the whitefly (Bemisia tabaci). Our results show that nematode infection reduced the whitefly population abundance because of conferring a stronger SA-dependent defense pathway against whitefly than in tomato plants without nematode infection. Meanwhile, nematode-infected tomato plant also activated the foliar JA-dependent defense pathway at 4 h after whitefly infestation. However, the foliar JA-dependent defense under whitefly infestation alone was suppressed, with the JA content being nearly 30 % lower than that in tomato plants co-infected with nematodes and whiteflies. Furthermore, nematode infection significantly decreased the plant nitrogen concentration in leaves and roots. As a result, nematode infection reduced the number of whiteflies by enhancing foliar SA-dependent defense, activating JA-dependent defense and decreasing nitrogen nutrition. Our results suggest that underground nematode infection significantly enhances the defense ability of tomato plants against whitefly.     

Susceptibility and Interactions of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Drosophila suzukii</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Zaprionus indianus</Emphasis> (Diptera: Drosophilidae) in Damaging Strawberry

Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) has been recently detected causing damage to strawberries in Brazil. Infestation in strawberry culture has often been observed jointly with the presence of Zaprionus indianus Gupta. This study investigated the susceptibility of strawberries at three ripening stages to infestation of D. suzukii and Z. indianus and their interaction. In the laboratory, strawberries cv. Albion at different ripening stages (green, semi-ripe and ripe) were exposed to D. suzukii and Z. indianus for 24 h in choice and no-choice bioassays. Additionally, we evaluated the effects of mechanical damage incurred artificially or by D. suzukii oviposition on Z. indianus infestation. In no-choice bioassay, there were no significant differences in fruit susceptibility to D. suzukii infestation at different ripening stages. However, in choice bioassay, D. suzukii adults preferred to oviposit on R fruit. The presence of mechanical damage did not increase susceptibility of fruit to D. suzukii oviposition. For Z. indianus, there was greater susceptibility of R fruit in relation to SR and G fruit in both the choice and no-choice bioassays. There was a significant and positive interaction of mechanical damage and damage caused by D. suzukii to R fruit and infestation by Z. indianus, which was not observed in SR and G fruit. Although infestation of Z. indianus is related to attack damaged or decaying fruit, this work shows that this species has the ability to oviposit and develop in healthy strawberry fruit with and increased infestation level when the fruit has damage to its epidermis.     

Response of Bemisia tabaci Genn. (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) Biotype B to Genotypes of Pepper Capsicum annuum (Solanales: Solanaceae)

Bemisia tabaci Genn. biotype B is a widely distributed plant pest that represents one of the major constraints for horticultural crop production. The purpose of the present work was to evaluate the oviposition preference, survivorship, and development of B. tabaci biotype B on semi-cultivated genotypes of Capsicum annuum from southeast Mexico. In free-choice experiments to evaluate the oviposition preference, lower number of eggs laid by B. tabaci biotype B was observed in the genotypes Maax and Xcat´ik relative to that in the commercial genotype Parado. Egg hatchability was significantly lower in Pico Paloma, Bolita, Blanco, Chawa, Payaso, and Xcat´ik than in the rest of the genotypes, including the commercial genotype Jalapeño. Likewise, survivorship of nymphs was significantly lower in Pico Paloma, Bolita, and Blanco than in the remaining genotypes. Nymph developmental time and the period of development from egg to adult were the shortest in Amaxito. Therefore, sources of resistance to B. tabaci biotype B by antibiosis (accumulation of plant defense compounds) might be found in the semi-cultivated genotypes Pico Paloma, Bolita, and Blanco.