Population dynamics, host preference and seasonal distribution patterns of whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Genn.) in middle Egypt

摘要

Population dynamics, host plant association and distribution patterns of cotton whitefly (CWF), Bemisia tabaci (Germ.) were studied on cotton, cucumber, cantaloupe and tomato in middle Egypt. Some host-plants (cucumber and cantaloupe) enhanced whitefly development more than the others (cotton and tomato). Prediction models were also, constructed to simulate the temperature-development relationship on the tested host plant. Oviposition and feeding responses comparisons for B. tabaci were tested in multi-choice situation whereas preference performance relationships were also studied under no choice situation. Whitefly preferred cotton and tomato for adult feeding and cucumber and cantaloupe for oviposition and immature feeding. A pronounced effect was noticed for host plants on different statistics of individual development and population growth. Distribution characteristics of whitefly were also studied and used to develop a presence-absence sampling procedure as a simple and quick method for determination of population changes through the season.