First mfCO-l based molecular identification of two cryptic species of Bemisia tabaci from Afghanistan

摘要

B. tabaci exists as a complex of morphologically very similar but genetically different variants previously termed as bio-types and more recently as cryptic species. Using a region of mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase, I (mrCO-l) gene sequences this study for the first time identified at molecular level the presence of two cryptic species of B. tabaci; Asia-I and Asia-ll-5 from cotton grown in the fields of Bland Ghar, Bihsud district, Nangarhar province of Afghanistan. It is the first report of its type as this insect was not reported earlier from any crop or area of this country at species level.