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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 #231825
Title: Distribution of Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) biotypes in Florida - Investigating the "Q" invasion

Author
item McKenzie, Cindy
item HODGES, GREG - DPI
item OSBORNE, LANCE - UNIV OF FLORIDA, APOPKA
item BYRNE, FRANK - UNIV OF CA, RIVERSIDE
item Shatters, Robert - Bob

Submitted to: Journal of Economic Entomology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 12/17/2008
Publication Date: 4/7/2009
Citation: McKenzie, C.L., Hodges, G.S., Osborne, L., Byrne, F.J., Shatters, R.G. 2009. Distribution of Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) biotypes in Florida - Investigating the "Q" invasion. Journal of Economic Entomology. 102(2):670-676.

Interpretive Summary: As part of an APHIS coordinated multi-state, multi-agency and multi-institutional USA Q biotype task force initiative and coordinated whole country survey, an extensive survey of B. tabaci biotypes was conducted in Florida. The primary objective of the survey was to monitor the introduction and distribution of both the B and Q biotypes. Extensive whitefly surveys were conducted from 2005 – 2008 from multiple locations across Florida representing 26 counties and 34 different host plants. The biotype status of submitted Bemisia tabaci samples was determined using a mitochondrial Cytochrome Oxidase I subunit (mtCOI) gene sequence, unique microsatellite markers and esterase zymogram analysis. Biotype Q was detected in 6 counties and only on herb or ornamental hosts while biotype B was detected in 23 counties and on every host plant sampled with the exception of hydrangea. Based on mtCOI sequence comparisons and microsatellite markers, biotype Q entered Florida through at least two separate introductions.

Technical Abstract: After the 2004 discovery of the Bemisia tabaci Q biotype in the U.S., there was an urgent need to determine its distribution. As part of a coordinated country-wide effort, an extensive survey of B. tabaci biotypes was conducted in Florida, with the cooperation of growers and state agencies, to monitor the introduction and distribution of both the B and Q biotypes. The biotype status of submitted B. tabaci samples was determined by PCR amplification and sequencing of a 700 - 800 bp mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I small subunit (mtCOI) gene fragment, PCR amplification and size determination of 2 unique microsatellite markers and esterase zymogram analysis. One hundred and eighty collections were sampled from 23 counties. Of these samples, 58 percent were from vegetables, 37 percent were from ornamentals and 5 percent were from peanuts, alfalfa and weeds. Eighteen percent of all collections were found to be the Q biotype that came from greenhouse grown ornamental and herbs located in six counties. Sequence comparison of the mtCOI gene identified three separate haplotypes within Florida that were defined as Q1, Q2 and Q3. Haplotypes could be used to associate populations known to be related by grower and plant type. For example, collections from five counties were made on hibiscus linked to the same grower and all samples contained only the Q1 haplotype. Other populations contained a mix of the Q2 and Q3 haplotypes supporting the conclusion that the Q biotype must have entered Florida through at least two separate introductions. Our data also show that two microsatellite markers are cost effective diagnostic alternatives for biotype ID with 100 percent concurrence with mtCOI sequence data.