Ovipositional preference ofSiphoninus phillyreae and its fitness on seven host plant species

The relationship between ovipositional preference ofSiphoninus phillyreae (Haliday) (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) and host plant suitability on seven host plant species (Citrus sinensis (L.) cv. ‘Washington’ navel orange],Fraxinus uhdei (Wenz.) shamel ash],Heteromeles arbutifolia Roemer toyon],Malus domestica Mill. cv. ‘Granny Smith’, apple],Pistacia vera L. cv. ‘Kerman’ pistachio],Prunus persica (L.) cv. ‘O’Henry’ peach], andPyrus communis L. cv. ‘Bartlett’ pear]) was evaluated. Ovipositional preference ofS. phillyreae was determined by measuring egg density after adult female whitefies were given a simultaneous choice of all host plants for oviposition. Immature survival, developmental time, and adult size were examined to determine host plant suitability forS. phillyreae. All studies were performed under greenhouse conditions.S. phillyreae showed distinct ovipositional preference among host plant species. Host plant species had a significant effect on immature survival, but little or no effect on developmental time or forewing length. For four of the seven host plant species tested, there was an association between ovipositional preference and survival.