Molecular identification and phylogenetic analysis of spiralling whitefly, Aleurodicus dispersus Russell (Hemiptera, Aleyrodidae) from different agroecological zones of Kerala, India

Abstract

This study represents the first investigation into the genetic diversity and phylogenetic analysis of Aleurodicus dispersus Russell, populations collected from various agroecological zones of Kerala. The analysis, based on the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (mtCOI) gene, demonstrated a significant amount of genetic divergence among A. dispersus populations from different agroecological regions of Kerala. Samples of spiralling whitefly collected from the Palakkad plains were genetically more distinct than those collected from other agroecological zones. Isolates from coastal sandy and red loam soils exhibited 100 per cent similarity with accession no. OQ844129.1 available in the GenBank. This study facilitates rapid diagnosis of the diversity in spiralling whiteflies attacking plants of economic importance in Kerala.