Tomato genotypes of different species were evaluated regarding to attractiveness and oviposition preference of Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) biotype B under greenhouse conditions. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design, with a split-pot scheme and three replicates. Plant infestation was done at 40-45 days after seedling transplanting by introducing highly whitefly-infested soybean plants. The variables evaluated were adult number and egg number on the adaxial and abaxial surfaces of the leaflets, during five weeks. Each observation was composed by the mean numbers obtained for three leaflets. Leaf area of each genotype was determined to estimate whitefly population per cm². There were no significant differences among genotypes and evaluations regarding to the presence of live adult whiteflies on the adaxial surfaces of the leaflets. For the number of live adult whiteflies on the abaxial surface, the least attractive genotypes were LA716 (Lycopersicon pennellii) and PI134417 (L. hirsutum f. glabratum); LA1609 (L. peruvianum) was one of the most attractive ones. Great number of dead adult whiteflies was registered on LA716, due to the sticky secretion produced by the glandular trichomes that cover leaves and stalks, trapping whiteflies when they contact the leaflet. Similar behavior was verified for LA1739, LA1740, PI127826 (L. hirsutum), PI134417 and PI134418 (L. hirsutum f. glabratum). LA716 and PI134418 were the least preferred genotypes for oviposition. The preferred genotypes for oviposition on the abaxial surface of the leaflets were CNPH1039, Japão (L. pimpinellifolium) and LA1609.
Lycopersicon; whitefly; Bemisia argentifolii; resistance
