Differences in life history traits and demographic parameters of three Asian genetic groups of Bemisia tabaci (Aleyrodidae: Hemiptera)

Whitefly, Bemisia tabaci cryptic species complex are morphologically similar, but their genetic makeup, developmental traits and behavioral characteristics differ. Despite much research to define cryptic species based on genomic data, differences in their life history features have not been fully characterized. The focus of this research was to document life histories and demographic parameters of B. tabaci genetic groups from four different Agro-climatic zones of India. The mtCOI analysis revealed that the populations from Sri Ganganagar and Indore were characterized as Asia II 1, while those from New Delhi and Coimbatore belonged to Asia II 7 and Asia II 5 respectively. The pre-adult duration from egg to adult was significantly shortest in Asia II 7 followed by Asia II 1 Indore, Asia II 1 and was longest in Asia II 5. Adult longevity was observed to be longest in Asia II 5 and shortest in Asia II 1 (Indore). The mean fecundity was significantly highest in Asia II 7 (52.33 ± 1.2), followed by Asia II 1 Indore, Asia II 1 and lowest in Asia II 5 (36.43 ± 1.8). Age-stage specific survival rate showed the least significant differences in the survival rates among the four genetic groups with Asia II 1 showing higher survival rates in the nymphal stages. The maximum age-stage specific life expectancy was observed for females. Asia II 1 females recorded the highest life expectancy followed by Asia II 1 Indore, Asia II 5 and Asia II 7. A high finite rate of increase, higher intrinsic rate of increase and shortest mean generation time was recorded in Asia II 7 where higher net reproductive rate recorded in Asia II 1 Indore. These insights aid in predicting population dynamics and devising resilient management strategies.