Update on QBiotype Whitefly Research and Extension Efforts

1
Update on Q-Biotype Whitefly Research and
Extension Efforts

• Scott Ludwig, Texas Cooperative Extension
• Jim Bethke, Univ. of California, Riverside
• Lance Osborne, University of Florida
• Cindy McKenzie, USDA-ARS

2
Whitefly History

• Whiteflies from the genus Bemisia
• have caused problems for more than a decade.
• form a complex of species and/or biotypes.
• The most common whitefly nowadays is Bemisia
  argentifolii (silverleaf whitefly).
• Bemisia argentifolii Bemisia tabaci (biotype B)

3
Whitefly History

• The whitefly Q-biotype was originally found in
  the Iberian peninsula (Spain Mediterranean),
  but has since spread.
• Potential US impact on
• Cotton
• Specialty Food Crops
• Ornamentals

4
Why are we concerned about the Q

• Q biotype has demonstrated resistance to over 30
  active ingredients world wide.
• The Q-biotype in Europe has shown high levels of
  resistance to neonicotinoids pyriproxyfen.

5
IMPORTANT!!!

• We do not have a "typical" Q-biotype whitefly in
  the United States!
• Until we know more, each population should be
  considered as a separate strain.
• Do not assume a single phenotype.
• There are in fact Q-biotype strains around the
  world that are susceptible to pyriproxyfen and
  imidacloprid and many of the other compounds used
  to control whiteflies.
• In time, we may see enough "mixing" of U.S.
  populations throughout the ornamental industry
  that will result in a more "uniform" phenotype.

6
Bemisia tabaci Q-Biotype Current Status

• APHIS will not regulate.
• No states have currently indicated they will
  quarantine if Q is found.

7

• PROACTIVE INDUSTRY RESPONSE
• IS ESSENTIAL!

8
B. tabaci Q-Biotype Cross Commodity Task Force

• Cross Commodity Task Force established to address
  issues surrounding introduction of Q Biotype
  (Facilitated by USDA-APHIS).
• Three sub-groups
• Industry (ornamentals, cotton, vegetables)
• Regulatory (states, APHIS)
• Scientists (Technical Advisory Group)

9
B. tabaci Q-Biotype Cross Commodity Task Force

• Technical Advisory Group composed of
• Diagnostics Developing Tools for Diagnosis
• Survey
• Practical Biology Ecology
• Management Tools Resistance Strategies
• Outreach

10
Biotype Identification

• Cindy McKenzie, Ph.D.
• Research Entomologist
• USDA, ARS, US Horticultural Research Lab.
• 2001 South Rock Road
• Fort Pierce, FL 34945
• Email cmckenzie_at_ushrl.ars.usda.gov

11
Biotype Identification

• Frank J. Byrne, Ph. D.
• Assistant Researcher
• Dept of Entomology
• University of California, Riverside
• 3401 Watkins Drive
• Riverside, CA 92521
• Tel. [phone]
• Email frank.byrne_at_ucr.edu

12
Q-Biotype Whitefly Survey
13
Funding Sources for Q-biotype Activities

• A lot of good will by researchers!
• IR-4 Program funded efficacy trials in
  2005-2006.
• USDA-ARS project number 6618-22000-030-12.
• Plants donated by Paul Ecke Ranch and other
  growers.

14
Project number 6618-22000-030-12

• Objective 1 Determine efficacy and residual
  activity of registered materials on B. tabaci.
• Objective 2 Determine efficacy/impact and
  residual activity to beneficial organisms.
• Objective 3 Test best management programs for
  different host plants and monitor changes in
  whitefly susceptibility to important compounds.