The effects of potassium levels in tobacco plants on the development, survival and host selectivity of Q-biotype Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius)
Author of the article:JIN Peng1 LIN Hua-Feng1** LI Yi1 LI Mao-Ye1 CHEN De-Xin2
Author's Workplace：1. School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China;2. Tobacco Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Qingdao 266101, China
Key Words：tobacco, potassium nutrition, Q-biotype Bemisia tabaci, development, survival rate, selectivity
Abstract：[Objectives] In order to provide a theoretical foundation for the control of Q-biotype Bemisia tabaci by regulating the nutrition of its host plant, the effects of potassium levels in tobacco plants on host selection, development and survival rate of Q-biotype B. tabaci were examined. [Methods] The host selection, development and survival rate of Q-biotype B. tabaci were investigated on water-cultured tobacco plants provided with five different concentrations of potassium: K1 (0 mmol/L), K2 (3 mmol/L), K3 (6 mmol/L), K4 (9 mmol/L) and K5 (12 mmol/L). [Results] Host preference, developmental duration and survival rate of Q-biotype B. tabaci on tobacco plants treated with different concentrations of potassium were significantly different. Relative feeding and oviposition preferences were K2>K1>K3>K4>K5, while the length of developmental duration from egg to adult on different plants was K5 (22.54 d)>K4 (21.96 d)>K1 (20.92 d)>K2(20.32 d)>K3 (20.23 d). Survival rates from egg to adult on different plants were K3 (88.72%)>K2(85.05%)> K1 (82.03%)> K4 (77.02%)> K5 (69.92%). [Conclusion] Q-biotype B. tabaci populations can be managed by regulating the potassium content of tobacco plants.