HOST-ASSOCIATED BIOTYPES WITHIN WEST AFRICAN POPULATIONS OF THE WHITEFLY BEMISIA-TABACI (GENN), (HOM, ALEYRODIDAE)

Host-associated differences within populations of the whitefly Bemisia tabaci from cassava, okra and other host plants in Cote d'lvoire, West Africa, were investigated by iso-enzyme electrophoresis and experimental host range studies. Two biotypes were identified. One was found only on cassava and eggplant; the other was polyphagous, but did not infest cassava. Differences in esterase patterns matched these host range restrictions exactly. The implications of these finding are discussed in relation to the role of B. tabaci as a virus vector.