Characterization of Bemisia (Hom., Aleyrodidae) from the Lesser Antilles by electrophoresis

For several years, whiteflies of the genus Bemisia (Hom., aleyrodidae) have caused major damage to vegetable crops in the Lesser Antilles, and have re vealed new symptoms. The genetic characterization of the populations involv ed was attempted using esterases polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Most o f the individuals analysed showed an identical enzymatic profile, which als o appears to be similar to the profile of Bemisia argentifolii (Bellows and Perring) described in the United-States. However. the individuals collecte d on Jatropha, gossypifolii (L.) were different, and matched the N biotype of Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) known in Puerto Rico.