Is polyphagy of a specific cryptic <i>Bemisia tabaci</i> species driving the high whitefly populations on cassava in eastern Africa?

ABSTRACT: Since the 1990s, the cryptic whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) has been linked to severe viral disease pandemics affecting cassava, a crucial staple crop in eastern Africa. This surge in whitefly populations has also been observed in other crops and uncultivated plants. While previous surveys have connected the increase on cassava to two specific populations, SSA1 and SSA2, the dynamics behind the population growth on other plants remain unclear. Additionally, other B. tabaci species, including EA1, IO, MED, SSA9, and SSA10, have been found on cassava in smaller numbers. This study aimed to identify the host plants that support the growth and development of different B. tabaci in Uganda by collecting fourth-instar nymphs from cassava and 20 other common host plan

SUBMITTER: Namuddu A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12062101 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature