Identification of Whitefly ( Bemicia tabaci Genn.) Biotypes and Associated Bacterial Symbionts in Oman

摘要

Oman is located on southeast corner of the Arabian Peninsula and the whitefly ( Bemicia tabaci Genn) is a predominant pest responsible for vectoring begomoviruses. Whiteflies were collected during 2011-2012 from various crops grown in different regions of Oman for biotype and secondary symbiont identification. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) amplification with specific primers was used for B . tabaci biotypes and secondary symbionts identification. Only biotype B of B. tabaci was identified from whitefly population collected from various crops in different regions of Oman. All B biotypes were found to be infected with the secondary symbiont, Hamiltonella . The presence of only biotype B strongly suggests that it is a well-adapted pest to a variety of crops grown in different geographical regions of Oman.