Differentiation of SPWF Biotypes Using RAPD-PCR

N.J. Gawel and A.C. Bartlett


 
ABSTRACT

RAPD-PCR was used to detect differences at the DNA level between the cotton and poinsettia strains of B. tabaci. All twenty of the RAPD primers tested distinguished readily between the strains. These primers also distinguished between the strains at the egg and nymph stage. Genetic similarity statistics indicate that these two strains of B. tabaci were no more closely related to each other than to bayberry whitefly (Parabemisia myricae) or bandedwinged whitefly (Trialeurodes butilonea). DNA from B. tabaci collected from 11 locations around the world was also analyzed. These insects could be classified into six distinct groups, suggesting there are more than two variant forms of B. tabaci. The differences we found in DNA composition, and differences noted by other researchers in disease characteristics, host range, honeydew production, egg production and esterase patterns suggest no clear reason to include the cotton and poinsettia strains of B. tabaci under the same specific designation. However, a comprehensive examination of all variant types of B. tabaci will have to conducted before a concise definition of the taxonomic relationship between the cotton and poinsettia forms can be determined.



Reprinted from 1993 Proceedings Beltwide Cotton Conferences pp. 953 - 954
©National Cotton Council, Memphis TN

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Document last modified Sunday, Dec 6 1998