Resistance of tomato genotypes to Bemisia tabaci MED (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae)

 The whitefly, Bemisia tabaci MED (Mediterranean, formerly known as biotype Q) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), is one of the most devastating species of tomato crop, due to the direct and indirect damage caused in plants. In Brazil, the advancement of this new species is alarming, since it has been reported in several cultivation tomatoes areas. Additionally, its control is based on the use of insecticides available for B. tabaci MEAM1, often inefficient as a result of the lower susceptibility of this species. In this sense, it is necessary to expand control methods, and resistant plants can be a valuable strategy for the management of the new pest. Thus, our objective was to evaluate the possible resistance expression of 39 tomato genotypes (diverse origins) against B. tabaci MED. The trial was conducted in no-choice test using whitefly adults to evaluated oviposition and colonization by nymphs. Our results indicated lower rates of oviposition and colonization on genotypes LA 716, PI 134417, PI 126925, Tainara, IAC 294, PI 134418, LAP 116, LA 237 and Astuto, indicating resistance expression by antixenosis and/or antibiosis. Therefore, commercial genotypes (Tainara and Astuto) can be used directly in integrated management of whitefly in tomato culture, while others genotypes may be useful in breeding programs