Development and reproduction of ‘B’ biotype Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) on four ornamentals

Abstract

Abstract Effects of four commercial ornamentals on the development, survivorship and reproduction of the whitefly B biotype Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) were studied in the laboratory (temperature 26 ± 1 °C; relative humidity 75%–90%; L: D 14:10). The total survivorship from egg to adult on hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L.), poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima Will), cottonrose hibiscus (Hibiscus mutabilis L.) and variegated leafcroton (Codiaeum variegatum‘Aucubaefolium') were 33.69%, 40.55%, 79.11%, and 29.39%, respectively. The developmental periods from egg to adult varied from 23.12 days on cottonrose hibiscus to 32.13 days on hibiscus. The average longevity of adult females ranged from 6.87 days on variegated leafcroton to 21.07 days on poinsettia. The average numbers of eggs laid per female were 9.20, 25.13, 54.45, and 26.79 on the above respective hosts. The intrinsic rates of natural increase (rm) for B biotype B. tabaci on cottonrose hibiscus was the highest. Based on life table analyses of whitefly populations, cottonrose hibiscus was the most suitable host for B biotype B. tabaci in this study. © 2017 Wiley. All rights reserved.