Biology of Whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) on Tomato Varieties and Weed Host

Studies on biology of whitefly on three tomato cultivars: Pre-oviposition and oviposition period on three tomato cultivars ranged from 1.33±0.33 to 2.88±0.50 days. Longest pre-oviposition and oviposition period was recorded on Arka Abha. The maximum egg and nymphal period of 12.22± 1.34 and 11.66±0.66 day on Arka Abha. Whereas, minimum egg and nymphal period was observed on Arkavikas i.e., 10.22±0.69 and 8.33±0.33 days, respectively. The highest pupal and adult period of 7.21±0.50 days and 3.66±0.88 days was observed on Arka Abha and Avinash-II, respectively and this was followed by Arkavikas. Among the tomato cultivars, longest life cycle of whitefly (42.09± 2.58 days) was recorded on Arka Abha; however on Arkavikas the least life cycle period was recorded. The highest adult male (10.44±0.84 days) and female longevity (12.55±0.38 days) were recorded on Arkaabha and followed by Arkavikas and Avinash –II. Studies on biology of whitefly on two weed species: Pre-oviposition and oviposition period of whitefly ranged from 1.33±0.33 to 2.33±0.33 days on weed species. Longest pre-oviposition and oviposition period was recorded on wild radish and Euphorbia spp. The maximum egg and nymphal period of 5.55± 0.69 and 7.66±0.88 days was recorded on Euphorbiaspp, respectively. Whereas, minimum egg and nymphal periods i.e. 4.66±0.33 days and 6.33±0.33 days were observed on wild radish, respectively. The highest pupal and adult period was (4.55±0.50 and 1.77±0.19 days, respectively) on Euphorbia spp followed by wild radish. Among the weed species, longest life cycle (42.09± 2.58 days) of whitefly was recorded on Euphorbia spp; however, on wild radish the least life cycle period was recorded. The highest adult (male 3.88±0.38 day and female 6.22±0.84 day longevity was observed on Euphorbia spp. followed by wild radish.