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Title: Molecular characterization with RAPD-PCR: application of genetic diagnostics to biological bontrol of the sweetpotato whitefly

Author
item VACEK, DON - USDA, APHIS, PPQ
item RUIZ, RAUL - USDA, APHIS, PPQ
item CIOMPERLIK, MATTHEW - USDA, APHIS, PPQ
item Goolsby, John

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/10/2005
Publication Date: 3/2/2008
Citation: Vacek, D.C., Ruiz, R.A., Ciomperlik, M.A., Goolsby, J. 2008. Molecular characterization with RAPD-PCR: application of genetic diagnostics to biological bontrol of the sweetpotato whitefly. In: Gould, J., Hoelmer, K., Goolsby, J., editors. Classical Biological Control of Bemisia tabaci in the United States - A Review of Interagency Research and Implementation. Vol. 4. Amsterdam, The Netherlands: Springer Netherlands. p. 111-119.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: A total of 38 exotic and 2 native parasitoid populations of the sweetpotato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci biotype B, were evaluated in pre-release quarantine efficacy tests. Numbers of B. tabaci parasitized were counted in sleeve cages on cantaloupe melons (Cucumis melo‘Perlita’), cotton (Gossypium hirsutum ‘Delta Pine 51’), and broccoli (Brassica oleracea ‘Patriot’). Highest attack rates were found for Encarsia sp. nr. pergandiella (Brazil) and Eretmocerus mundus (Spain) on melons; Eretmocerus hayati (Pakistan) on cotton; and Eretmocerus mundus (Spain) on broccoli. In the laboratory, these three exotic parasitoids attacked significantly greater numbers of hosts than the native species of Encarsia pergandiella and Eretmocerus tejanus. This information was be used to prioritize parasitoid species for mass rearing and release in biocontrol-based IPM programs against B. tabaci. The quarantine tests proved to be a good indicator of efficacy in the field.