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Invasive mechanism and management strategy of Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) biotype B: Progress report of 973 Program on invasive alien species in China

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Abstract

Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) biotype B, called a “superbug”, is one of the most harmful biotypes of this species complex worldwide. In this report, the invasive mechanism and management of B. tabaci biotype B, based on our 5-year studies, are presented. Six B. tabaci biotypes, B, Q, ZHJ1, ZHJ2, ZHJ3 and FJ1, have been identified in China. Biotype B dominates the other biotypes in many regions of the country. Genetic diversity in biotype B might be induced by host plant, geographical conditions, and/or insecticidal application. The activities of CarE (carboxylesterase) and GSTs (glutathione-S-transferase) in biotype B reared on cucumber and squash were greater than on other host plants, which might have increased its resistance to insecticides. The higher activities of detoxification enzymes in biotype B might be induced by the secondary metabolites in host plants. Higher adaptive ability of biotype B adults to adverse conditions might be linked to the expression of heat shock protein genes. The indigenous B. tabaci biotypes were displaced by the biotype B within 225 d. The asymmetric mating interactions and mutualism between biotype B and begomoviruses via its host plants speed up widespread invasion and displacement of other biotypes. B. tabaci biotype B displaced Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Westwood) after 4–7 generations under glasshouse conditions. Greater adaptive ability of the biotype B to adverse conditions and its rapid population increase might be the reasons of its successful displacement of T. vaporariorum. Greater ability of the biotype B to switch to different host plants may enrich its host plants, which might enable it to better compete with T. vaporariorum. Native predatory natural enemies possess greater ability to suppress B. tabaci under field conditions. The kairomones in the 3rd and 4th instars of biotype B may provide an important stimulus in host searching and location by its parasitoids. The present results provide useful information in explaining the mechanisms of genetic diversity, evolution and molecular eco-adaptation of biotype B. Furthermore, it provides a base for sustainable management of B. tabaci using biological and ecological measures.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Acadeny of Agriculture Sciences, Beijing, 100094, China

    FangHao Wan, GuiFen Zhang, ZhiChuang Lü, XuHong Cui, WanXue Liu, ZhongRen Lei & YongJun Zhang

  2. Institute of Applied Entomology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310029, China

    ShuSheng Liu, LianSheng Zang & Min Jiu

  3. Institute of Plant and Environment Protection, Beijing Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, 100089, China

    Chen Luo & Fan Zhang

  4. Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Acadeny of Agricullare Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China

    Dong Chu, YouJun Zhang & LiPing Zhang

  5. Department of Entomology, China Agriculture University, Beijing, 100094, China

    QingWen Zhang & Pei Liang

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  1. FangHao Wan
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Correspondence to FangHao Wan.

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Supported by the National Basic Research and Development Program of China (973 Program) of China (Grant No. 2009CB119200)

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Wan, F., Zhang, G., Liu, S. et al. Invasive mechanism and management strategy of Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) biotype B: Progress report of 973 Program on invasive alien species in China. SCI CHINA SER C 52, 88–95 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11427-008-0135-4

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