Comparison of the performance of Bemisia tabaci MEAM1 (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) on weed and cultivated plant species

The whitefly, Bemisia tabaci MEAM1 (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), is considered one of the most invasive and destructive pests for agriculture worldwide. Whitefly populations are maintained throughout the year by continuous exploitation of different plant species and, in this context, weeds can serve as alternative hosts, making permanent populations possible in the field with the migration of individuals to cultivated plant species. Invasive plant species can also serve as inoculum sources of whitefly-transmitted viruses, being more favorable to disease dissemination in agricultural fields. Thus, studies investigating B. tabaci performance on different hosts are highly relevant for a better understanding of the insect’s population dynamics. Further study may assist in directing management actions and eradication of the most suitable plants for the whitefly development. With these goals in mind, the present study assessed biological aspects of B. tabaci MEAM1 on 14 weed species commonly found in Brazilian agricultural fields, in addition to five cultivated plant species. It was verified that the species Ipomoea grandifolia, Solanum lycopersicum and Emilia sonchifolia required the shortest development periods (egg-adult) (23.90 to 24.67 days), indicating high susceptibility. High nymphal viability rates (98.33 to 80.83%) were observed in S. lycopersicum, Gossypium hirsutum, Raphanus raphanistrum, Glycine max, Amaranthus viridis, Euphorbia heterophylla, Commelina benghalensis, Galinsoga parviflora, Sida rhombifolia, E. sonchifolia, Merremia aegyptia and I. grandifolia, also indicating susceptibility. These plant species were revealed to be suitable hosts for whitefly development and, with the exception of the cultivated species, should be monitored and eradicated, expanding the management strategies for B. tabaci MEAM1 populations in agricultural scenarios.