Biology, Genetics, Evolution, Insecticide Resistance, and Management of the Bemisia Tabaci Cryptic Species Group as a Pest and Virus Vector

The whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) cryptic species group comprises at least six cryptic species that are indistinguishable by morphological characters. Instead, their differences manifest as unique biochemical and behavioral traits that shape their adaptation to specific niches, governed primarily by temperature and precipitation. This had led to the evolution of differences in life history traits, fecundity, host range, virus-vector specificity, endosymbiont composition, dispersal behavior, detoxification of host compounds, insecticide resistance, and invasiveness propensity. Majority of species and/or sub-species have not been studied in depth, but each cryptic species is thought to harbor a unique suite of genetic, biological, and ecological characteristics, that have allowed them to occupy distinct ecological niches worldwide. Only a few widely known B. tabaci have been well-studied. They are mostly invasive subspecies that are important as agricultural pests and vectors. Further, clarification of the biology and taxonomy of a group of divergent Bemisia exemplars (Bemisia-look-alikes), has become urgent to avoid additional exotic introductions. Taxa within the B. tabaci complex lack morphological traits that set them apart from their B. tabaci cryptic species group pest and plant virus vector counterparts. Due to their unique evolutionary paths, Bemisia and its relatives represent taxonomic conundrums, making them of great interest to biologists, agriculturalists, and regulators. With respect to agricultural concerns, the B. tabaci cryptic species/sub-species collectively colonizes over several hundred agricultural crops. Pest-related damage spans the extreme to relatively minimal.

Among the six known B. tabaci cryptic species, two subspecies of the NAFME (North Africa-Middle East) cryptic species, common name, B mitotype (mt COI marker), and two subspecies of the Mediterranean (MED) cryptic species, common name, Q mitotype, exhibit ‘invasiveness’ phenotypes, and thrive outside of their zones of endemism. Only a few subspecies of B. tabaci B and Q exhibit invasive tendencies, and so are widely recognized as damaging pests and promiscuous plant virus vectors. Multiple introductions and spread of invasive B and Q subspecies has been facilitated by international plant trade. Post-introduction, they have readily dispersed into new habitats into agricultural areas on infested ornamentals and seedlings. In contrast, a multitude of non-invasive, endemic B. tabaci cryptic species/sub-species also continue to pose economic constraints on agriculture as pests and vectors of indigenous plant viruses. Finally, the least well-studied B. tabaci are those that have been rarely encountered. These groups are of great interest because not much is known about the specific adaptations that permit them to occupy ultra-specialized ecological ranges while remaining non-invasive.

This special focus issue invites B. tabaci enthusiasts to submit manuscripts that span the arena of the biology and management of this cryptic species group and/or complex, Review and original research Manuscripts on the following or related topics with reference to the B. tabaci cryptic species or complex are welcome. 1.Population dynamics and ecology, 2. Biological traits associated with environmental and physiological adaptation, 3. Taxonomy, 4. Characteristics and mechanisms of whitefly -mediated plant virus transmission 4. Micro- and macro- aspects of whitefly-virus-host interactions, 5. Epidemiology of whitefly-transmitted viruses, and 5. Management including insecticide resistance.

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• Data Report
• Editorial
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• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
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Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Policy Brief
• Review
• Systematic Review

Keywords: Begomovirus, Bemisia, Closteroviridae, Crinivirus, Geminiviridae, Torradovirus, Bemisia-host plant resistance, whitefly IPM, whitefly-virus epidemiology, whitefly-virus transmission pathway, whitefly

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