The invasive mechanism of a worldwide important pest, {\sl Bemisia tabaci} (Gennadius) biotype B

Abstract

Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) biotype B is an important pest that have outbreaked and caused severe damage worldwide through the last 20 years. Recent progress in studying mechanisms of its invasion indicates the greater ability of competitive displacement which involves the competition of ecological niche, reproductive interference, the interactions of whitefly and virus with indigenous B. tabaci and other competing herbivores, is the most important factor. The successful invasion and rapid spread is affected by the pesticide resistance. In the meantime, the ecological environment (such as host, climatic factor, overwintering sites) also affected the invasion of B. tabaci biotype B. Finally the importance of the invasive mechanism of B. tabaci biotype B and potential directions for future research are discussed.