BIOCHEMICAL-IDENTIFICATION OF INTERBREEDING BETWEEN B-TYPE AND NON B-TYPE STRAINS OF THE TOBACCO WHITEFLY BEMISIA-TABACI

Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and a kinetic microplate assay were used to detect heterozygotes resulting from a cross between B-type an d non B-type strains of the whitefly Bemisia tabaci. Both strains were homozygous for different esterase and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enz ymes, and heterozygotes were produced in one of two crosses between B- type females (diploid) and non B-type males (haploid). In reciprocal c rosses, however, no female offspring were produced indicating that fer tilization had not occurred Despite the identification of individuals heterozygous for the esterase and AChE markers, there was clearly a si gnificant degree of reproductive incompatibility between the two strai ns. The biochemical assays provided a vital component of this study an d the advantages of their use are discussed.