Selectivity and fitness of the Bemisia tabaci B-biotype with regard to different varieties of eggplant, Solanum melongena
Author of the article:DU Yi-Mei** SUN Wei LIU Xiao-Na DU Yu-Zhou ***
Author's Workplace：School of Horticulture and Plant Protection & Institute of Applied Entomology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
Key Words： Bemisia tabaci, B-biotype, Solanum melongena, varieties, selectivity, fitness
Abstract： [Objectives] To provide basic information for developing new varieties of whitefly-resistant eggplants, and to investigate the host-preferences for, and fitness of, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) B-biotype with respect to different eggplant varieties. [Methods] The preference of B. tabaci B-biotype for different varieties of eggplant and the effect of feeding on different eggplant varieties on B. tabaci B-biotype’s growth, production, survival and life-table parameters were studied in a greenhouse under T=(29±2)℃, RH=80%±5% and natural lighting. [Results] The results show that the B. tabaci B-biotype clearly preferred some of the fourteen varieties, or strains, of eggplant tested, over others. The most preferred eggplant variety was Heimazichangqie and the least preferred was Longqie No.1. The survival and the reproduction of B. tabaci also differed significantly on the different varieties, or strains, of eggplant; highest fitness was observed on Longqie No.1, and the lowest on Liaoqie No.3. The shortest developmental duration was on Liaoqie No.3 and the longest on Xuzhouchangqie. The population trend index (I) on the Suqiqie, Yangqie No.1 and Ziyuanqie eggplant varieties was 8.7215, 37.4675 and 25.6245, respectively, and the relative fitness of Bemisia tabaci on these eggplant varieties was, in descending order, Suqiqie>Yangqie No.1>Ziyuanqie.