Identification of Biotype and Detection of Endosymbionts of Bemisia tabaci in Karnataka

Bemisia tabaci is a species complex that consists of at least 24 genetically diverse biotypes. Here, we determined the biotypes of 25 populations collected in 17 different districts of Karnataka. PCR analyses of whitefly population show that B-biotype B. tabaci was prevalent in all the surveyed locations. Whereas, mixed populations of both B-biotype and indigenous B.tabaci were detected only in Belgaum, Bhagakot and Bijapur districts. Five endosymbiotic bacteria from various B. tabaci populations were analysed by PCR using endosymbiont specific primers. Portiera, a primary endosymbiont present in all the populations tested and the other four were secondary endosymbionts showing different profile with biotypes. Wolbachia was detected in all the populations tested regardless of biotype. Cardinium was detected in indigenous biotype populations but not in the B biotype population, while Rickettsia and Arsenophonus was detected in the both indigenous and B biotype populations. Our results show that the endosymbiont profile is strongly associated with each biotype and are responsible for host survival, development, host physiology, ecology and evolution.