title: Characterization of differences between whiteflies using RAPD-PCR.
abstract: The B biotype of the sweetpotato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) has caused over $200 million in crop damage in the US during 1992. The taxonomic classification of the A and B biotypes of B. tabaci is unclear. We used RAPD-PCR to demonstrate DNA differences between the A and B biotypes of this insect. All twenty of the RAPD primers tested distinguished readily between the biotypes. DNA extracted from individual eggs and nymphs showed identical differences. RAPD-based genetic similarity statistics indicate that these two biotypes of B. tabaci were no more similar to each other than to two other whitefly species: bayberry whitefly (Parabemisia myricae) or bandedwinged whitefly (Trialeurodes abutilonea). These results indicate that RAPD-PCR may be useful in distinguishing closely related organisms, but may not be useful in determining higher classification of insects. Before the taxonomic status of B. tabaci biotypes A and B can be determined, results from other genetic, morphological and physiological examinations will have to be compared.
authors.affiliation: USDA, ARS, Western Cotton Research Laboratory, Phoenix, Arizona 85040, USA.
authors.forename: N J
authors.initials: NJ
authors.lastname: Gawel
authors.forename: A C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Bartlett
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D017344:Genes, Insect; D007313:Insecta / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics*; D019105:Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA Technique; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013698:Templates, Genetic