Nonpreference of whitefly for oviposition in tomato genotypes

Abstract

The silverleaf whitefly is one of most important pests of tomato (Lycopersicon spp.). The use of host plant resistance to control this insect is an interesting, potentially useful technique, but in demand of more research. The objectives of this work were to evaluate the oviposition non-preference of Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius, 1889) biotype B for different tomato plant genotypes, evaluating the correlation between oviposition preference and pubescence in the genotypes, and analyzing the abaxial and adaxial surfaces of Lycopersicon pennellii leaflets under the scanning electron microscope. Four wild tomato genotypes, LA 716 (L. pennellii); PI 127826 and PI 127827 (L. hirsutum); PI 134417 (L. hirsutum f. glabratum), and two commercial genotypes, Santa Clara and Bruna VFN hybrid (L. esculentum) were evaluated for number of eggs cm-2 in free and no-choice oviposition tests, using randomized block design and completely randomized design, respectively. The number of trichome was measured in 4 mm² and coefficients of correlation between number of trichomes and number of eggs were calculated. The wild genotypes LA 716 and PI 134417 were less preferred showing oviposition nonpreference resistance type in both tests. The Bruna VFN and Santa Clara were more preferred in free-choice test, while wild genotypes PI 127826 and PI 127827 were more preferred in no-choice test. L. pennellii leaflets presented glandular trichomes type IV in both surfaces. Santa Clara genotype presented higher density of trichomes, and B. tabaci biotype B presented higher preference to oviposition.