Detection of Bemisia tabaci Meam1 and Med cryptic species in Oklahoma

Abstract

The agricultural importance of Oklahoma combined with the sheer efficiency of insect pests for virus transmission makes whiteflies and the viruses they transmit a recipe for economic losses in the agriculture sector. Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) are small pests that quickly develop insecticide-resistance. Therefore, chemical control of infestations is difficult in affected crops i.e., pepper, sweet potatoes, cucumber, tomatoes, beans, hibiscus, etc. Two main cryptic species of Bemisia tabaci are reported to cause damage in the U.S, B. tabaci MEAM1 (Middle East Asia Minor 1, also called biotype B) and B. tabaci MED (Mediterranean, biotype Q). The two cryptic species transmit different viruses. Since minimal documentation is available for whiteflies in Oklahoma, insects were collected from different host plants in Stillwater, Oklahoma from August to October 2022. DNA was extracted and PCR was performed with primers that discriminate between MEAM1 and MED cryptic species. The partial mtCOI gene was also sequenced and a phylogenetic tree constructed. The results indicate the presence of MEAM 1 and MED cryptic species in Oklahoma. This is the first report of MED in Oklahoma. The correct identification of B. tabaci cryptic species contributes to structure management strategies, identifying the ecological niches, and pest movement.