Identification of unique volatile compounds associated with repelling whiteflies (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) in desert watermelon (Citrullus colocynthis)

Authors: Blake, Bobbie; Simmons, Alvin; MCCUTCHEON, GLORIA - Claflin University; WALLA, MICHAEL - University Of South Carolina; KANTOR, MIHAIL - Claflin University; Levi, Amnon

Submitted to: International Congress of Entomology
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/16/2016
Publication Date: 8/22/2016
Citation: Blake, B., Simmons, A.M., Mccutcheon, G.S., Walla, M., Kantor, M., Levi, A. 2016. Identification of unique volatile compounds associated with repelling whiteflies (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) in desert watermelon (Citrullus colocynthis). XXV International Congress of Entomology. Orlando, Florida, USA. September 25-30, 2016. doi:1603/ICE.2016.115103.

Interpretive Summary: N/A

Technical Abstract: Commercial watermelon cultivars (Citrullus lanatus var. lanatus) share a narrow genetic base and are susceptible to many insect pests and diseases. The insects include whiteflies which cause serious economic damages to this important cucurbit crop. However, several United States Plant Introduction accessions (PIs) of the wild desert watermelon Citrullus colocynthis were identified as resistant to whiteflies. No information is available in the literature on the volatile constitutes of Citrullus colocynthis relative to watermelon cultivars. The C. colocynthis germplasm collection was surveyed in comparison to commercial watermelon cultivars for volatile compounds that may be associated with resistance to whiteflies. The volatile components of leaf explants were obtained by headspace solid-phase microextraction (HP-SPME) and combined with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for identification. This information is important for improving whitefly resistance in commercial watermelon.