Molecular characterization of genetic diversity within the Africa/Middle East/Asia Minor and SubSaharan African groups of the Bemisia tabaci species complex

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Résumé

BBemisia tabaci Gennadius is a major plant pest in many agricultural systems worldwide. It is a complex of cryptic species
that differ in many ecological respects, including damage-causing potential. Monitoring the genetic composition of B.
tabaci populations in the field is, therefore, essential for achieving effective control. Sequencing is costly and time
consuming; thus, efficient diagnostic tools must be developed to perform epidemiological studies involving hundreds of
individuals. Here, we describe a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP)
method for identifying all the putative species comprising the Africa/Middle East/Asia Minor group, including those that
are the most devastating crop pests. Moreover, intra-specific diversity associated with specific symbiotic bacteria known to
manipulate insect host phenotypes can also be detected. In addition, this method discriminates between the Africa/Middle
East/Asia Minor and the Sub-Saharan African groups, which are sympatric in some areas. This simple, reliable and costeffective diagnostic tool is ideal for the rapid analysis of a high number of individuals and, thus, has potential applications
in field contexts, where it could provide valuable baseline information for pest management programs.

Mots-clés

Keywords: PCR-RFLP; Bemisia tabaci; mtCOI gene; molecular diagnostic; Sub-Saharan African group; MEAM1 species; Mediterranean species; pest management program