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Characterization of differences between whiteflies using RAPD‐PCR
Author(s) -
Gawel N. J.,
Bartlett A. C.
Publication year - 1993
Publication title -
insect molecular biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.955
H-Index - 93
eISSN - 1365-2583
pISSN - 0962-1075
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2583.1993.tb00123.x
Subject(s) - rapd , biology , whitefly , trialeurodes , nymph , greenhouse whitefly , homoptera , botany , pest analysis , genetic diversity , population , demography , sociology
The B biotype of the sweetpotato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) has caused over $200 million in crop damage in the US during 1992. The taxonomic classification of the A and B biotypes of B. tabaci is unclear. We used RAPD‐PCR to demonstrate DNA differences between the A and B biotypes of this insect. Ail twenty of the RAPD primers tested distinguished readily between the biotypes. DNA extracted from individual eggs and nymphs showed identical differences. RAPD‐based genetic similarity statistics indicate that these two biotypes of B. tabaci were no more similar to each other than to two other whitefly species: bayberry whitefly (Parabemisia myri‐cae) or banded winged whitefly (Trialeurodes abutilo‐nea). These results indicate that RAPD‐PCR may be useful in distinguishing closely related organisms, but may not be useful in determining higher classification of insects. Before the taxonomic status of B. tabaci biotypes A and B can be determined, results from other genetic, morphological and physiological examinations will have to be compared.