Genetic diversity analysis of Bemisia tabaci populations in Pakistan using RAPD markers

ABSTRACT

Background: The Bemisia tabaci is one of the most devastating pests of agricultural crops and ornamental plants worldwide. The genetic diversity and biotype status of the Bemisia tabaci in Pakistan was assessed by using random amplified polymorphic DNA-polymerase chain reaction (RAPD-PCR). A total 80 samples of B. tabaci collected from 14 districts of the Punjab province and 7 districts of the Sindh province were included. Results: All 10 primers screened in this study generated 151 scorable amplification products, of which 117 or 77 percent were polymorphic. Pairwise Nei and Li’s similarity had ranged from 0.25 to 0.88 among all individuals analyzed. Based on Nei and Li’s similarity coefficients Bemisia populations were grouped into 3 main clusters and clearly distinguished the non B biotype from the B biotype. Conclusion: The level of similarity among populations of same biotypes was high whereas between populations of non B and B biotypes appeared to be less closely related. This analysis showed that non B biotype is prevalent in both provinces however B biotype is restricted to few locations in Sindh. This monitoring of the spread of B. tabaci in Pakistan will assist in the establishment of appropriate management strategies.