1. Effect of foliar tomentosity on phenotypic plasticity in Bemisia tabaci (Hom., Aleyrodidae).
- Author
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Guershon, M. and Gerling, D.
- Subjects
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SWEETPOTATO whitefly , *PHENOTYPES , *GENETICS - Abstract
Some whitefly species, as well as members of other insect families, are known to develop different phenotypes under different environmental conditions. In this study, the identification of an environmental trigger and its sensitive stage for the development of the setose phenotype of Bemisia tabaci nymphs are reported. Quantification tests revealed phenotypic plasticity manifested by positive correlation between trichome density on tomentose leaves and the percentage of setose nymphs found upon them. Artificial simulation of leaf tomentosity provided sufficient stimulation to induce the setose nymph phenotype. The crawler was found to be the only sensitive stage for this induction. Polymorphism of the nymphal phenotypes correlated with additional biological features of both nymph and adult, which could be treated as proxies of fitness. Setose nymphs were smaller and developed (from eggs to adult) faster. Adults emerging from such nymphs were smaller and had shorter lives. Adaptivity of the detected phenotypic plasticity and of the correlating nymphal and adult features are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2001
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