Biology of Bemisia tabaci (gennadius) on healthy and squash leaf curl china virus infected pumpkin plants under different seasonal conditions

Pumpkins are often referred to as the “king of cucurbits” due to their large fruit size. In 2021, we conducted studies on the biology of the whitefly, Bemisia tabaci, under insect-proof screen house conditions, focusing on both healthy and Squash Leaf Curl China Virus (SLCCNV)-infected pumpkin plants. Before reaching adulthood, the whiteflies went through three nymphal instars and a pupal stage. In terms of fecundity, female whiteflies laid between 42 and 57 eggs on healthy pumpkin plants, and between 35 and 49 eggs on SLCCNV-infected plants during the spring season. During the rainy season, fecundity ranged from 45 to 60 eggs per female on healthy plants and 31 to 53 eggs per female on SLCCNV-infected plants. The total life cycle of B. tabaci, from egg to adult, varied between 20 and 26 days on healthy plants and 19 to 27 days on SLCCNV-infected plants during the spring season. In contrast, during the rainy season, the life cycle duration ranged from 18 to 24 days on healthy plants and 18 to 23 days on SLCCNV-infected plants. These findings offer valuable insights into the reproductive and developmental dynamics of B. tabaci in relation to pumpkin plant health and viral infection status.