Survey of whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci Gennadius) transmitting virus diseases of vegetables in Minna, northern Nigeria

Abstract

Distribution and abundance of whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) in pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) and tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill) fields was studied in Minna (9 o 37′ N; 6 o 33′ E; 1475 m above sea level) northern Nigeria. Pepper and tomato fields were surveyed from March to July, 2009 at Bosso Chanchaga and Sabondaga. Results indicated that whiteflies were prevalent in the study area. B. tabaci population was significantly (P<0.01) higher in tomato compared with pepper fields across the study area. In pepper fields, there were no significant (P>0.05) differences in insect density across the locations. In tomato field, however, substantial population variation existed. Although there were no significant differences in insect number across the months, in pepper fields, whitefly population peaked in June while the lowest density was observed in May. Conversely, in tomato fields the highest population of B. tabaci was observed in May but the lowest occurred in June Symptoms of virus infection such as leaf curling and chlorosis, stunting, and poor yield were evident on heavily infested plants. Integrated pest management could be employed to reduce whitefly population below economic injury level.