Comparative biological parameters of whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Genn.) on fruit bearing vegetable crop plants

Abstract

Ecology of whitefly Bemisia tabaci Genn., has been studied extensively in the recent past and a varying response was observed on different host plants. The degree of this variation is because of type of host plant combination. The present investigation was conducted to find out the comparative age specific survival, mortality and life table parameters in presence of four major fruit bearing vegetables that is brinjal (Solanum melongena L.), chili (Capsicum annuum L.), tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) and okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench), under laboratory conditions (26±3°C, RH: 75±5% and photophase: 14 h). The maximum survival and minimum mortality was observed on brinjal, while chili has been documented with reciprocity. Among the host plants, on which whitefly was reared, brinjal has shown superiority, documenting least mortality and shorter development of immature stages of whitefly. Least generation time (23.67±0.97 days) was observed on brinjal and maximum time was consumed on chili (33.57±1.10 days). Similarly, the highest intrinsic rate of increase (r m ) was recorded on brinjal followed by tomato and the smallest r m was observed on chili. A significant difference in net reproductive rate (Ro) was perceptible, being highest on tomato (89.50±2.13 females/female). However; corresponding potential fecundity and maximum mean egg laying was received on brinjal. Fastest doubling time was also recorded on brinjal (8.41±0.02 days) followed by tomato (10.87±0.03 days) while maximum doubling time was witnessed on chili (14.01±0.05 days). The highest annual rate of increase (ARI), 1.27±0.02x10 10 of individuals per year was found on brinjal and lowest on chili. The host preference of whitefly on the basis of present investigations, can be arranged in the following order brinjal>tomato>okra>chili.