The whitefly Bemisia tabaci species complex has been well documented as one of the most economically important emergent plant virus vectors, through serious feeding damage to its broad range of plant hosts and transmission of plant viruses to important agricultural crops. It has been shown to have associations with endosymbionts which have significant effects on the insect fitness. The purpose of this study was to provide information for the biotype and secondary endosymbiont distribution for B. tabaci populations in the relatively unstudied Arabian peninsula. The geographical localization and variation in endosymbiont populations across the region were identified using a sequence-driven analysis of the population genetics of the secondary endosymbiont. Live field specimens were collected from 22 different locations in the region and preserved in 70% ethanol for genetic studies. Previously established procedures were used to extract and purify total insect DNA from 24-30 individual whiteflies for each location (Frohlich et al., 1999; Chiel et al., 2007). Specimens were subjected to PCR amplification using the respective 16S rDNAprimers for the Rickettsia, Hamiltonella, and Wolbachia to amplify endosymbiont DNA. PCR was run with primers for the highly conserved whitefly mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene for biotyping. Samples were sequenced using the Sanger method and the data analyzed to correlate the presence, prevalence and geographical distribution of endosymbionts in B. tabaci. Phylogenies 5 were constructed to track evolutionary differences amongst the endosymbionts and insects and how they have influenced the evolution of the regional populations. Samples were characterized by differences in the genomes and endosymbionts of common whitefly ‘biotypes’ that have different host plant preferences, vector capacities and insecticide resistance characteristics. It was found that the B biotype is the predominant haplotype, with no evidence of the Q biotype. All endosymbionts were detected, with Hamiltonella as the most predominant. Several instances of co-infection by two or more endosymbionts were observed. Samples from the geographically isolated and mountainous region of Fayfa demonstrated higher genetic variability compared to the other locations, leading to the possible identification of a new haplotype, as well as the first time identification of the A biotype in the region.

Les bactéries symbiotiques facultatives, transmises verticalement de mère à descendants, sont connues pour avoir des effets importants sur la reproduction de leurs hôtes (incompatibilité cytoplasmique et biais de sex-ratio), sur l’adaptation à des situations de stress (spécialisation, résistance aux pathogènes et aux fortes températures) ainsi que sur l’évolution de l’ADN mitochondrial par l’induction de balayages sélectifs. Bemisia tabaci est un complexe d’espèces divisé en nombreux biotypes, principalement différenciés sur la base de marqueurs moléculaires (essentiellement mitochondrial). Cet insecte héberge 7 symbiotes, 1 symbiote nutritionnel obligatoire et 6 symbiotes facultatifs. Nos résultats ont montré une extrême diversité ainsi qu’une prévalence exceptionnelle des bactéries symbiotiques chez B. tabaci. Leur dynamique rapide a entraîné de nombreux balayages sélectifs sur l’ADN mitochondrial influençant nettement son évolution. La très forte fréquence des infections multiples chez cet insecte peut certainement être expliquée par la co-localisation de l’ensemble des bactéries au sein des mêmes cellules, avec le symbiote nutritionnelle. Enfin, la coexistence de différents cytotypes en sympatrie offre l’opportunité d’étudier les interactions qui se mettent en place entre différentes communautés symbiotiques et comment ces systèmes vont évoluer / Facultative endosymbiotic bacteria that are vertically transmitted from mother to offsprings, have important effects on their host reproduction (cytoplasmic incompatibilities and sex-ratio biais), on host adaptation to situation of stress (specialization, resistance against pathogens or high temperature) and also on the evolution of mtDNA, by inducing selective sweeps. Bemisia tabaci is a species complex divided into numerous, mainly differentiated based on molecular markers (essentially mtDNA markers). This insect is infected by 7 bacterial symbionts, one nutritionnal symbiont that is obligatory and 6 facultative symbionts. Our results show an extreme diversity of symbionts in this insect and a very high prevalence in B. tabaci populations. Moreover their rapid dynamic has strongly influenced mtDNA evolution by inducing recurrent selective sweeps. The colocalization of the whole symbiotic community in the same cells, with the nutritional symbiont, might certainly explain the very high frequency of multiple infections in B. tabaci. Finally, coexistence of very different cytotypes in sympatry allows to study the interactions that take place between different symbiotic communities and how these systems will evolve

O Tomato chlorosis virus (ToCV), família Closteroviridae, gênero Crinivirus é um vírus de RNA de fita simples, senso positivo, transmitido de maneira semi-persistente por espécies da família Aleyrodidae, dos gêneros Bemisia e Trialeurodes. Possui uma gama de hospedeiros considerável que inclui plantas domesticadas e ervas daninhas das famílias Alzoaceae, Amaranthaceae, Apiaceae, Apocynaceae, Asteraceae, Plumbaginaceae, e Solanaceae. No estado de São Paulo, Brasil, foi relatado pela primeira vez em 2008, causando clorose internerval nas folhas de tomateiros. A importância desta doença emergente tem incrementado nos últimos anos e, no entanto, até o momento não existem estimativas dos danos causados nem alternativas adequadas para o manejo da doença no campo. Diante disso, esse trabalho teve como objetivos (i) avaliar a resistência de genótipos de tomateiro à infecção com o ToCV, (ii) avaliar a tolerância de alguns dos genótipos à doença e (iii) estimar o dano produzido em campo protegido. Para isso, 57 genótipos, incluindo espécies selvagens, linhagens avançadas e cultivares comerciais de tomateiro foram inicialmente avaliados quanto à resistência à infecção. Plantas jovens, produzidas em bandejas de poliestireno expandido, protegidas por gaiola recoberta com tecido de voil foram inoculadas por meio da liberação massal de B. tabaci MEAM1 virulífera para o ToCV. A incidência de plantas infectadas por genótipo foi determinada mediante observação dos sintomas e a detecção do vírus por RT-PCR. Alguns dos genótipos também foram avaliados quanto à tolerância à doença causada pelo crinivírus. Plantas sadias e sabidamente infectadas com o ToCV foram transplantadas no campo no interior de telados protegidos com tecido de voil. As plantas foram avaliadas quanto ao peso de frutos produzidos. No fim do ensaio, todas as plantas foram cortadas na região do colo e avaliaram-se os pesos fresco e seco da parte aérea. Em dois ensaios independentes de avaliação da resistência à infecção com o ToCV por meio da liberação massal de B. tabaci virulífera constatou-se que em condições de livre chance de escolha dos insetos os acessos Solanum peruvianum LA 444-1 e S. habrochaites PI 127826 e PI 134417 e as linhagens avançadas IAC 14-2-49+14-2-85 (somente no primeiro ensaio) e IAC 68F-22-2-24-1 não tiveram plantas infectadas, sugerindo alto grau de resistência à infecção pelo crinivírus. Para os demais genótipos avaliados a reação das plantas à infecção com o ToCV variou de moderadamente resistente à altamente suscetível. Dois ensaios independentes para avaliar a tolerância dos diferentes genótipos de tomateiro ao amarelão causado pelo ToCV, com base no desenvolvimento e na produção das plantas mostrou resultados bastante variáveis. Os resultados desse trabalho fornecerão subsídios para futuros trabalhos de melhoramento genético para o desenvolvimento de cultivares resistentes/tolerantes ao ToCV. / Tomato chlorosis virus (ToCV), family Closteroviridae, genus Crinivirus is a single-stranded, positive sense RNA virus, transmitted semi-persistently by species of the family Aleyrodidae, belonging to the genus Bemisia and Trialeurodes. ToCV infects several species including domesticated and weed plants belonging to the families Alzoaceae, Amaranthaceae, Apiaceae, Apocynaceae, Asteraceae, Plumbaginaceae and Solanaceae. In São Paulo, Brazil, this crinivirus was first reported in 2008, causing chlorosis in the leaves of tomato plants. The importance of this emerging disease has increased in recent years and yet, so far there are no estimates of the damage, nor suitable alternatives for the management of the disease in the field. Therefore, this study aimed to (i) evaluate the resistance of tomato genotypes to infection with ToCV, (ii) to evaluate the tolerance of some genotypes to the disease and (iii) estimate the damage produced in infected plants. Fifty seven genotypes, including wild species, hybrids and commercial tomato cultivars were initially evaluated for resistance to infection. Seedlings produced in expanded polystyrene trays protected by cage covered with voile fabric were inoculated through the mass release of ToCV viruliferous B. tabaci MEAM1. The incidence of infected plants per genotype was determined by observation of symptoms and virus detection by RT-PCR. Some of the genotypes were also evaluated for tolerance to the disease caused by the crinivirus. Healthy and ToCV infected plants were separately transplanted in the field, in cages protected with voile fabric. Weight of harvested fruits of the plants were evaluated. At the end of the test, all the plants were cut out and their fresh and dry weights were measured. Results from two independent trials showed that the accesses Solanum peruvianum LA 444-1, and S. habrochaites PI 127826 and PI 134417, and the hybrids IAC 14249+14285 and IAC 68F-22-2-24-1 did not have infected plants, suggesting a high degree of resistance to infection by the crinivirus. For all other genotypes the response of the plants to infection with ToCV ranged from moderately resistant to highly susceptible. Results from two independent trials to assess the tolerance of different tomato genotypes to the disease caused by ToCV, based on the development and production of the plants were widely variable. These findings provide insights for future breeding programs for the development of cultivars resistant and/or tolerant to ToCV.

O Tomato severe rugose virus (ToSRV) e o Tomato chlorosis virus (ToCV) estão entre as principais espécies de vírus que afetam a cultura do tomateiro atualmente no Brasil. Ambos possuem o mesmo vetor, a mosca-branca Bemisia tabaci MEAM1 (biótipo B), um inseto polífago e amplamente disseminado por todo país. Por este fato, infecções mistas destes vírus em lavouras de tomateiro são frequentes. No entanto, parâmetros epidemiológicos importantes para melhor compreensão das viroses associadas a esses vírus, quando em infecção simples ou mista em tomateiro, permanecem desconhecidos. Neste trabalho foram avaliados a cinética da invasão sistêmica e os períodos de latência e de incubação do ToSRV e do ToCV, em infecções simples e mista, em tomateiros. A cinética da invasão sistêmica foi analisada em tomateiros nos quais a folha inoculada foi destacada em diferentes intervalos de tempo após a inoculação. Os períodos de latência foram avaliados em tomateiros inoculados e que foram posteriormente utilizados como fontes de inóculo para a aquisição do(s) vírus por B. tabaci MEAM1, em ensaios de transmissão realizados em diferentes intervalos de tempo. Os períodos de incubação foram avaliados através da observação diária dos sintomas após a inoculação dos vírus nos tomateiros. O ToSRV e o ToCV iniciaram o movimento sistêmico em apenas um dia após a inoculação em tomateiro. Os períodos de latência do ToSRV, em infeções simples e mista, foram em média, 7 e 6 dias, respectivamente. Para o ToCV, os períodos médios de latência foram 13 dias em infecção simples e 11 dias em infecção mista. Os períodos de incubação do ToSRV, em infecções simples e mista, ocorreram, em média, 11 dias após os períodos de latência. O período de incubação do ToSRV foi influenciado pela idade da planta no momento da inoculação e também pela co-infecção com o ToCV. Os períodos de incubação do ToCV, em infecções simples e mista, ocorreram, em média, 17 e 20 dias após os períodos de latência, respectivamente. O início dos sintomas do ToCV não foi afetado pela idade da planta no momento da inoculação e nem pela co-infecção com o ToSRV. Estes resultados indicam que após a infecção o tomateiro rapidamente se torna uma fonte de inóculo do(s) vírus e passa a contribuir para a disseminação de ambos no campo. A defasagem de tempo entre os períodos de latência e de incubação do ToSRV e do ToCV nos tomateiros infectados revela que as plantas possibilitam a aquisição e subsequente transmissão dos vírus de um hospedeiro doente para um hospedeiro sadio antes de qualquer manifestação dos sintomas, fato que deve ser levado em consideração para o manejo destas fitoviroses no campo. / Tomato severe rugose virus (ToSRV) and Tomato chlorosis virus (ToCV) are among the main species of virus affecting tomato crops currently in Brazil. Both are transmitted by the same vector, the whitefly Bemisia tabaci MEAM1 (biotype B), a polyphagous insect widely disseminated throughout the country. Because of this fact, mixed infections of these viruses in tomato crops are frequent. However, important epidemiological parameters to better understand the diseases associated with these viruses, when in single or mixed infection in tomato, remain unknown. This study evaluated the kinetics of systemic invasion and latent and incubation periods of ToSRV and ToCV in single and mixed infections in tomato. The kinetics of systemic invasion was analyzed in tomato plants in which the inoculated leaf was detached at different time intervals after inoculation. The latent periods were evaluated in inoculated tomato plants which were later used as inoculum sources for the acquisition of ToSRV and/or ToCV by B. tabaci MEAM1, in transmission assays performed at different time intervals. Incubation periods were evaluated by daily observation of symptoms after inoculation of tomato plants. ToSRV and ToCV started the systemic movement just one day after inoculation in tomato plants. Average latent periods of ToSRV, in single and mixed infections, were 7 and 6 days, respectively. For ToCV, the average latent periods were 13 days in single infection and 11 days in mixed infection. ToSRV incubation periods, in single and mixed infections, occurred on average 11 days after the respective latent periods. The incubation period of ToSRV was influenced by the age of the plant at the time of inoculation and by the co-infection with ToCV. ToCV incubation periods, in single and mixed infections, occurred on average 17 and 20 days after the latent periods, respectively. The beginning of ToCV symptoms was not affected by the age of the plant at the time of inoculation or by co-infection with ToSRV. These results indicate that after infection, tomato plants rapidly become source of inoculum of the viruses and contribute to the dissemination of both in tomato crops. The mismatch between the latent and incubation periods of ToSRV and ToCV in infected tomato plants reveals that plants enable the acquisition and subsequent transmission of both viruses from a diseased to a healthy plant, prior to any manifestation of symptoms. Such knowlegment should be taken into consideration for the management of these viruses in tomato crops.

O Tomato severe rugose virus (ToSRV) e o Tomato chlorosis virus (ToCV) estão entre as principais espécies de vírus que afetam a cultura do tomateiro atualmente no Brasil. Ambos possuem o mesmo vetor, a mosca-branca Bemisia tabaci MEAM1 (biótipo B), um inseto polífago e amplamente disseminado por todo país. Por este fato, infecções mistas destes vírus em lavouras de tomateiro são frequentes. No entanto, parâmetros epidemiológicos importantes para melhor compreensão das viroses associadas a esses vírus, quando em infecção simples ou mista em tomateiro, permanecem desconhecidos. Neste trabalho foram avaliados a cinética da invasão sistêmica e os períodos de latência e de incubação do ToSRV e do ToCV, em infecções simples e mista, em tomateiros. A cinética da invasão sistêmica foi analisada em tomateiros nos quais a folha inoculada foi destacada em diferentes intervalos de tempo após a inoculação. Os períodos de latência foram avaliados em tomateiros inoculados e que foram posteriormente utilizados como fontes de inóculo para a aquisição do(s) vírus por B. tabaci MEAM1, em ensaios de transmissão realizados em diferentes intervalos de tempo. Os períodos de incubação foram avaliados através da observação diária dos sintomas após a inoculação dos vírus nos tomateiros. O ToSRV e o ToCV iniciaram o movimento sistêmico em apenas um dia após a inoculação em tomateiro. Os períodos de latência do ToSRV, em infeções simples e mista, foram em média, 7 e 6 dias, respectivamente. Para o ToCV, os períodos médios de latência foram 13 dias em infecção simples e 11 dias em infecção mista. Os períodos de incubação do ToSRV, em infecções simples e mista, ocorreram, em média, 11 dias após os períodos de latência. O período de incubação do ToSRV foi influenciado pela idade da planta no momento da inoculação e também pela co-infecção com o ToCV. Os períodos de incubação do ToCV, em infecções simples e mista, ocorreram, em média, 17 e 20 dias após os períodos de latência, respectivamente. O início dos sintomas do ToCV não foi afetado pela idade da planta no momento da inoculação e nem pela co-infecção com o ToSRV. Estes resultados indicam que após a infecção o tomateiro rapidamente se torna uma fonte de inóculo do(s) vírus e passa a contribuir para a disseminação de ambos no campo. A defasagem de tempo entre os períodos de latência e de incubação do ToSRV e do ToCV nos tomateiros infectados revela que as plantas possibilitam a aquisição e subsequente transmissão dos vírus de um hospedeiro doente para um hospedeiro sadio antes de qualquer manifestação dos sintomas, fato que deve ser levado em consideração para o manejo destas fitoviroses no campo. / Tomato severe rugose virus (ToSRV) and Tomato chlorosis virus (ToCV) are among the main species of virus affecting tomato crops currently in Brazil. Both are transmitted by the same vector, the whitefly Bemisia tabaci MEAM1 (biotype B), a polyphagous insect widely disseminated throughout the country. Because of this fact, mixed infections of these viruses in tomato crops are frequent. However, important epidemiological parameters to better understand the diseases associated with these viruses, when in single or mixed infection in tomato, remain unknown. This study evaluated the kinetics of systemic invasion and latent and incubation periods of ToSRV and ToCV in single and mixed infections in tomato. The kinetics of systemic invasion was analyzed in tomato plants in which the inoculated leaf was detached at different time intervals after inoculation. The latent periods were evaluated in inoculated tomato plants which were later used as inoculum sources for the acquisition of ToSRV and/or ToCV by B. tabaci MEAM1, in transmission assays performed at different time intervals. Incubation periods were evaluated by daily observation of symptoms after inoculation of tomato plants. ToSRV and ToCV started the systemic movement just one day after inoculation in tomato plants. Average latent periods of ToSRV, in single and mixed infections, were 7 and 6 days, respectively. For ToCV, the average latent periods were 13 days in single infection and 11 days in mixed infection. ToSRV incubation periods, in single and mixed infections, occurred on average 11 days after the respective latent periods. The incubation period of ToSRV was influenced by the age of the plant at the time of inoculation and by the co-infection with ToCV. ToCV incubation periods, in single and mixed infections, occurred on average 17 and 20 days after the latent periods, respectively. The beginning of ToCV symptoms was not affected by the age of the plant at the time of inoculation or by co-infection with ToSRV. These results indicate that after infection, tomato plants rapidly become source of inoculum of the viruses and contribute to the dissemination of both in tomato crops. The mismatch between the latent and incubation periods of ToSRV and ToCV in infected tomato plants reveals that plants enable the acquisition and subsequent transmission of both viruses from a diseased to a healthy plant, prior to any manifestation of symptoms. Such knowlegment should be taken into consideration for the management of these viruses in tomato crops.

O Tomato chlorosis virus (ToCV), família Closteroviridae, gênero Crinivirus é um vírus de RNA de fita simples, senso positivo, transmitido de maneira semi-persistente por espécies da família Aleyrodidae, dos gêneros Bemisia e Trialeurodes. Possui uma gama de hospedeiros considerável que inclui plantas domesticadas e ervas daninhas das famílias Alzoaceae, Amaranthaceae, Apiaceae, Apocynaceae, Asteraceae, Plumbaginaceae, e Solanaceae. No estado de São Paulo, Brasil, foi relatado pela primeira vez em 2008, causando clorose internerval nas folhas de tomateiros. A importância desta doença emergente tem incrementado nos últimos anos e, no entanto, até o momento não existem estimativas dos danos causados nem alternativas adequadas para o manejo da doença no campo. Diante disso, esse trabalho teve como objetivos (i) avaliar a resistência de genótipos de tomateiro à infecção com o ToCV, (ii) avaliar a tolerância de alguns dos genótipos à doença e (iii) estimar o dano produzido em campo protegido. Para isso, 57 genótipos, incluindo espécies selvagens, linhagens avançadas e cultivares comerciais de tomateiro foram inicialmente avaliados quanto à resistência à infecção. Plantas jovens, produzidas em bandejas de poliestireno expandido, protegidas por gaiola recoberta com tecido de voil foram inoculadas por meio da liberação massal de B. tabaci MEAM1 virulífera para o ToCV. A incidência de plantas infectadas por genótipo foi determinada mediante observação dos sintomas e a detecção do vírus por RT-PCR. Alguns dos genótipos também foram avaliados quanto à tolerância à doença causada pelo crinivírus. Plantas sadias e sabidamente infectadas com o ToCV foram transplantadas no campo no interior de telados protegidos com tecido de voil. As plantas foram avaliadas quanto ao peso de frutos produzidos. No fim do ensaio, todas as plantas foram cortadas na região do colo e avaliaram-se os pesos fresco e seco da parte aérea. Em dois ensaios independentes de avaliação da resistência à infecção com o ToCV por meio da liberação massal de B. tabaci virulífera constatou-se que em condições de livre chance de escolha dos insetos os acessos Solanum peruvianum LA 444-1 e S. habrochaites PI 127826 e PI 134417 e as linhagens avançadas IAC 14-2-49+14-2-85 (somente no primeiro ensaio) e IAC 68F-22-2-24-1 não tiveram plantas infectadas, sugerindo alto grau de resistência à infecção pelo crinivírus. Para os demais genótipos avaliados a reação das plantas à infecção com o ToCV variou de moderadamente resistente à altamente suscetível. Dois ensaios independentes para avaliar a tolerância dos diferentes genótipos de tomateiro ao amarelão causado pelo ToCV, com base no desenvolvimento e na produção das plantas mostrou resultados bastante variáveis. Os resultados desse trabalho fornecerão subsídios para futuros trabalhos de melhoramento genético para o desenvolvimento de cultivares resistentes/tolerantes ao ToCV. / Tomato chlorosis virus (ToCV), family Closteroviridae, genus Crinivirus is a single-stranded, positive sense RNA virus, transmitted semi-persistently by species of the family Aleyrodidae, belonging to the genus Bemisia and Trialeurodes. ToCV infects several species including domesticated and weed plants belonging to the families Alzoaceae, Amaranthaceae, Apiaceae, Apocynaceae, Asteraceae, Plumbaginaceae and Solanaceae. In São Paulo, Brazil, this crinivirus was first reported in 2008, causing chlorosis in the leaves of tomato plants. The importance of this emerging disease has increased in recent years and yet, so far there are no estimates of the damage, nor suitable alternatives for the management of the disease in the field. Therefore, this study aimed to (i) evaluate the resistance of tomato genotypes to infection with ToCV, (ii) to evaluate the tolerance of some genotypes to the disease and (iii) estimate the damage produced in infected plants. Fifty seven genotypes, including wild species, hybrids and commercial tomato cultivars were initially evaluated for resistance to infection. Seedlings produced in expanded polystyrene trays protected by cage covered with voile fabric were inoculated through the mass release of ToCV viruliferous B. tabaci MEAM1. The incidence of infected plants per genotype was determined by observation of symptoms and virus detection by RT-PCR. Some of the genotypes were also evaluated for tolerance to the disease caused by the crinivirus. Healthy and ToCV infected plants were separately transplanted in the field, in cages protected with voile fabric. Weight of harvested fruits of the plants were evaluated. At the end of the test, all the plants were cut out and their fresh and dry weights were measured. Results from two independent trials showed that the accesses Solanum peruvianum LA 444-1, and S. habrochaites PI 127826 and PI 134417, and the hybrids IAC 14249+14285 and IAC 68F-22-2-24-1 did not have infected plants, suggesting a high degree of resistance to infection by the crinivirus. For all other genotypes the response of the plants to infection with ToCV ranged from moderately resistant to highly susceptible. Results from two independent trials to assess the tolerance of different tomato genotypes to the disease caused by ToCV, based on the development and production of the plants were widely variable. These findings provide insights for future breeding programs for the development of cultivars resistant and/or tolerant to ToCV.

Background: The whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) is among the 100 worst invasive species in the world. As one of the most important crop pests and virus vectors, B. tabaci causes substantial crop losses and poses a serious threat to global food security. Results: We report the 615-Mb high-quality genome sequence of B. tabaci Middle East-Asia Minor 1 (MEAM1), the first genome sequence in the Aleyrodidae family, which contains 15,664 protein-coding genes. The B. tabaci genome is highly divergent from other sequenced hemipteran genomes, sharing no detectable synteny. A number of known detoxification gene families, including cytochrome P450s and UDP-glucuronosyltransferases, are significantly expanded in B. tabaci. Other expanded gene families, including cathepsins, large clusters of tandemly duplicated B. tabaci-specific genes, and phosphatidylethanolamine-binding proteins (PEBPs), were found to be associated with virus acquisition and transmission and/or insecticide resistance, likely contributing to the global invasiveness and efficient virus transmission capacity of B. tabaci. The presence of 142 horizontally transferred genes from bacteria or fungi in the B. tabaci genome, including genes encoding hopanoid/sterol synthesis and xenobiotic detoxification enzymes that are not present in other insects, offers novel insights into the unique biological adaptations of this insect such as polyphagy and insecticide resistance. Interestingly, two adjacent bacterial pantothenate biosynthesis genes, panB and panC, have been co-transferred into B. tabaci and fused into a single gene that has acquired introns during its evolution. Conclusions: The B. tabaci genome contains numerous genetic novelties, including expansions in gene families associated with insecticide resistance, detoxification and virus transmission, as well as numerous horizontally transferred genes from bacteria and fungi. We believe these novelties likely have shaped B. tabaci as a highly invasive polyphagous crop pest and efficient vector of plant viruses. The genome serves as a reference for resolving the B. tabaci cryptic species complex, understanding fundamental biological novelties, and providing valuable genetic information to assist the development of novel strategies for controlling whiteflies and the viruses they transmit.

Bemisia tabaci (Genn.) is the vector of cassava mosaic geminiviruses (CMGs), which are the main production constraint to cassava, both in Uganda and elsewhere in Africa. A severe form of cassava mosaic disease (CMD) was responsible for the devastation of cassava in Uganda beginning in the late 1980s. In subsequent years the severe CMD epidemic spread throughout Uganda, and to neighbouring countries, causing devastating effects to cassava production, and its geographical range continues to expand with the pandemic. To further understand the virus-vector dynamics involved in the spread of CMD in the post epidemic zone in Uganda, we investigated the current distribution of B. tabaci genotypes in selected cassava-growing regions. Additionally, the relationship between the vector genotypes and distribution of CMGs in the post-epidemic zone was examined also. CMD-affected cassava leaves were collected from 3 to 5 month-old cassava plants, and B. tabaci adults and fourth instar nymphs were collected from cassava and twenty-two other plant species occurring adjacent to the sampled cassava fields. The mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (mtCOI) sequence was used to establish the genotype of B. tabaci adults and nymphs associated with the sampled plant species. African cassava mosaic virus (ACMV) and East African cassava mosaic virus-Uganda 2 (EACMV-UG2) were confirmed to be present in the post-epidemic zone in Uganda, as reported previously. As expected, EACMV-UG2 predominated. However, unlike previous observations in which EACMV-UG2 was consistently associated with the severe disease phenotype, in this study EACMV-UG2 occurred almost equally in the severely and mildly diseased plants. Phylogenetic analyses of Ugandan B. tabaci genotypes (mtCOI) revealed that their closest relatives were other Old World genotypes, as might be expected. Two previously reported B. tabaci genotype clusters, Uganda 1 (Ug1) and Uganda 2 (Ug2), at ~8% nt divergence, were confirmed to occur on cassava in the post-epidemic zone. However, Ug1 occurred more frequently (83%) than Ug2 (17%), and no definite association was established of a particular vector genotype with cassava plants exhibiting the severe disease phenotype, in contrast to the B. tabaci genotype distribution and association with the CMGs reported there at the height of the spread of the severe CMD epidemic. Based on the presence of B. tabaci fourth instar nymphs, the Ug1 genotypes colonized five additional non-cassava plant species: Manihot glaziovii, Jatropha gossypifolia, Euphorbia heterophylla, Aspilia africana and Abelmoschus esculentus, suggesting that in Uganda the Ug1 genotypes are not restricted to cassava. However, no Ug2 genotypes were detected on the non-cassava plant species sampled. This study revealed also the presence in Uganda of five distinct previously unrecorded B. tabaci genotype clusters, Uganda 3 (Ug3), Uganda 4 (Ug4), Uganda 5 (Ug5), Uganda 6 (Ug6) and Uganda 7 (Ug7), and a sweetpotato colonizing genotype cluster, designated Uganda 8 (Ug8), among the collective Ugandan B. tabaci populations. Ug3 was the only exemplar representing one cluster, which was unlike any previously described genotype in Uganda or elsewhere, and diverged at 8%, 10% and 17% from Ug1, Ug2 and Ug8, respectively. The Ug3 genotypes colonized a single species, Ocimum gratissimum. Ug4, Ug5, Ug6 and Ug7 formed four closely related sub-clusters (93-97% nt identity), and diverged from one another by 1-7%, and by 15-18% from Ug1, Ug2, Ug3 and Ug8, respectively. The Ug4 genotypes had as their closest relatives (at 97-99% nt identity) previously reported B. tabaci from okra in the Ivory Coast, whereas, the Ug5 and Ug6 genotypes shared 95-99% and 99% nt identity, respectively, with their closest relatives from the Mediterranean-North Africa- Middle East (MED-NAFR-ME) region, which also includes the well studied B and Q biotypes. The Ug7 genotypes were closely related (at 98-99% nt identity) to B. tabaci from Reunion Island in the Indian Ocean. The Ug4, Ug5, Ug6 and Ug7 genotypes were identified on 54%, 8%, 8%, and 31% of the sampled plants species, respectively. Ug4 were most polyphagous, followed by Ug7 and Ug6. However, none of the new five genotypes (Ug3-Ug7) was found associated with, or colonizing, xx cassava or sweetpotato plants in this study. Squash plants colonized by the Ug6 and Ug7 genotypes, both members of the B biotype/B-like cluster, developed the silvering phenotype, while those colonized by the Ug4 genotypes (most closely related to a non-B like genotype from okra in the Ivory Coast) did not. In addition to colonizing sweetpotato, the Ug8 genotypes also colonized Lycopersicon esculentum and L nepetifolia.

Orientador: Edson Luiz Lopes Baldin / Resumo: Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) biótipo B (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) é um inseto polífago, que ocasiona grandes prejuízos em diversas culturas de importância econômica, incluindo o tomateiro (Solanum lycopersicum L.), onde pode provocar severos danos diretos e indiretos. O principal método de controle desta praga é a aplicação de inseticidas sintéticos, com impactos negativos para seres humanos e meio ambiente, além de favorecer a seleção de insetos resistentes. Em muitos estudos têm-se buscado técnicas alternativas e, ao mesmo tempo, mais seguras no controle da mosca-branca, com destaque para o uso de derivados botânicos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a bioatividade de extratos de Annona mucosa (Jacq), A. sylvatica A.St.-Hil e A. muricata L. e compará-los com o inseticida botânico comercial Anosom® 1 EC (à base de acetogeninas, anonina 10.000 mg.L-1) e com o neonicotinoide tiametoxam (Actara® 250 WG) sobre ovos, ninfas e adultos de B. tabaci biótipo B em tomateiro, por meio de ensaios em laboratório, casa de vegetação e campo. Inicialmente, realizou-se um ensaio com ninfas (2º ínstar) e extratos das três espécies (500 mg.L-1) para identificar o solvente mais apropriado e a melhor estrutura da planta, a partir do qual foram selecionados o etanol e as sementes, respectivamente. Em seguida, foi avaliado o efeito dos extratos etanólicos de sementes de A. mucosa (ESAM), A. muricata e A. sylvatica (500 mg.L-1) sobre o comportamento de adultos do inseto. Os índices de infestação e... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) biotype B (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) is a polyphagous insect pest that can cause direct and indirect damages to several crops of economic importance, including tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.). Synthetic insecticides sprayings are the main method of control to silverleaf whitefly, with negative effects to human and environment, besides favoring the selection of insect resistant populations. Many studies have assessed alternative and safer tools to whitefly control, with emphasis on the use of botanical derivatives. The objective of this study was to evaluate the bioactivity of extracts of Annona mucosa (Jacq), A. sylvatica A.St.-Hil and A. muricata L. in comparison to Anosom® 1 EC commercial botanical insecticide (acetogenin based, annonin 10.000 mg.L-1) and the neonecotinoid thiamethoxam (Actara® 250 WG) on eggs, nymphs and adults of B. tabaci biotype B in tomato, under laboratory, greenhouse and field conditions. Initially, an experiment was carried out with nymphs (2nd instar) and extracts of the three species (500 mg.L-1) to identify the most appropriate solvent and the best plant structure, from which ethanol and seeds were selected, respectively. After, the effect of ethanolic extract from seeds of A. mucosa (ESAM), A. muricata and A. sylvatica (500 mg.L-1) on the behavior of insect adults was evaluated. The rates of infestation and deterrence to oviposition indicated an inhibitory effect with A. muricata extract. Subsequently, the possible systemic action of the extracts was evaluated, however no effects on the nymphal development and viability of the insects were verified. The ninficidal effect was evaluated at 7 and 10 days after the application of the extracts (500, 5.000 and 10.000 mg.L-1) and, due to the good potencial of ESAM, this treatment was selected for the sequence of tests, starting with the estimation of LC50 e LC90 (10.83 and 200.24 mg.L-1, respectivel ... / Mestre

Orientador: Regiane Cristina Oliveira de Freitas Bueno / Coorientador: Cristiane Müller / Banca: Fernando Javier Sanhueza Salas / Banca: Simone Silva Vieira / Resumo: Bemisia tabaci Gennadius (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) faz parte de um grupo de espécies crípticas que são conhecidas globalmente por sua capacidade de adaptação em diferentes plantas hospedeiras e causarem severos danos aos mais diversos cultivos, sendo responsáveis pela transmissão de diversos tipos de vírus de plantas. Dentro desse grupo de espécies crípticas encontra-se o biótipo Q ou Mediterranean (MED), cuja principal característica é a menor suscetibilidade a alguns ingredientes ativos, e essas características podem estar ligadas a diversos fatores, como aspectos genéticos bem como, composição de endossimbiontes secundários. Diante do recente relato de invasão dessa espécie exótica no Brasil, e como a principal forma de manejo utilizada para essa espécie é o controle químico, ainda não se tem informações suficientes a respeito das concentrações letais de inseticidas no país. O estudo buscou traçar curvas de suscetibilidade para os principais ingredientes ativos utilizados para o controle de B. tabaci. O trabalho em questão foi dividido em dois capítulos, em que no primeiro foram realizados testes em adultos, e no segundo os testes foram realizados para a ninfa do inseto. No primeiro capítulo, foram testados em três populações diferentes os ingredientes ativos, acetamiprido, ciantraniliprole, imidacloprido, tiametoxam e sulfoxaflor. Além disso, também foi realizado a identificação dos endossimbiontes secundários para cada população. Foi observado que para alguns ingredientes... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: Bemisia tabaci Gennadius (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), is part of a group of cryptic species worldwide known for its adaptation to different hosts and cause severe damages in many crops, responsible for transmitting many plant virus. As a part of these cryptic species group, is the biotype Q or Mediterranean (MED), which the main characteristic of it is the lower susceptibility to some active ingredients, and these characteristics can be related to many factors, like genetic aspects as well as its secondary endosymbionts composition. Since the recent report of this exotic species invasion in Brazil, and the main strategy used to manage this species is the chemical control, still there is no further information about lethal concentrations in this country. This research looked for stablish dose-response curves for the main active ingredients used to manage B. tabaci. The study was divided in two chapters, in which the first one the tests were made in adults and, in the second one, the tests were made in the immature stage of the insect. In the first chapter, three populations were tested, and the active ingredients used were, acetamiprid, cyantraniliprole, imidacloprid, thiametoxam and sulfoxaflor. Besides that, the identification of secondary endosymbionts for each population was done. It was observed that for some active ingredients the susceptibility of the populations varied, as well as its endosymbionts. In the second chapter, the same tests were made for the immature stage of the insect, and the active ingredients tested were, acephate, acetamiprid, bifenthrin, cyantraniliprole, diafenthiuron, spiromesifen, imidacloprid, pymetrozine, pyriproxyfen, sulfoxaflor and thiametoxam. The secondary endosymbionts were also identified. For the tested populations, its susceptibility and endosymbionts also varied. / Mestre