Author
|
Submitted to: Entomology International Congress Proceedings
Publication Type: Abstract Only Publication Acceptance Date: 1/25/1996 Publication Date: N/A Citation: N/A Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: Whiteflies cause much damage to vegetable and row crops in several countries. The problem has been exacerbated in recent years by the presence of a recently described species, Bemisia argentifolii (also called strain-B Bemisia tabaci). Host plant resistance in melon and other vegetables is a desired, but under accomplished, management tool against whiteflies. In developing a resistance breeding program, having a rapid and reproducible method for screening germplasm for resistance to whiteflies is essential. Multiple assays were conducted in field, greenhouse, and laboratory conditions for evaluating melon germplasm for resistance to Bemisia argentifolii. Field tests with many melon entries were conducted in southern California and Arizona where high natural infestations occurred. The more promising resistant field entries, based on plant condition and plant size, were evaluated in greenhouse and laboratory tests, respectively. Plant growth response (biomass, size and vigor) to infestation, and whitefly attractiveness to melon entries for feeding and oviposition were examined within two weeks after plant emergence. Survival from egg to adult emergence was determined on live plants. Entries were compared with Top Mark,' a susceptible commercial entry. |
