Populational dynamic's of B. tabaci in producing areas of cucumber and biologic performance of Middle east asia minor 1 and Mediterranean criptic species in commercial cultivars of cucumber

Abstract

The recent introduction of of Bemisia tabaci cryptic species Mediterranean, also known as biotype Q, has been causing big problems to bell pepper production in São Paulo State. Trying to get around this, producers are adopting cucumber as an alternative for bell pepper production, but high incidence of whiteflies have been observed on bell pepper. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the population dynamics of B. tabaci cryptic species in commercial cucumber production, as well as to evaluate the preference and biological performance of B. tabaci MED and MEAM1 (also called as biotype Q) in commercial cultivars of the common, canned and japanese types of cucumber. Samples of whiteflies will be collected in commercial areas located in the municipalities of Óleo, São Pedro do Turvo, Santo Antônio de Posse and Mogi Guaçu (São Paulo state) and in Bandeirantes and Cambará (Paraná state). Cryptic species identification will be performed by the analysis of using mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (mtCOI) DNA. The performance tests, oviposition and development of whiteflies will be evaluated in 'Verde Comprido', 'Aodai', 'Kawaii', 'Durango', 'Soldier', 'Wisconsin SMR-58' and 'Pioneer' cultivars of cucumber. The tests will be conducted with free choice and no-choice test. We propose at the end of the project the whitefly dynamics in cucumber and to obtain important information for management, since the use of resistant or tolerant cultivars to the insect can be a very useful tool, reducing costs of application of insecticides and .