Fourth International Bemisia Workshop International Whitefly Genomics Workshop
Bemisia tabaci, a top 100 invader
CSIRO Entomology, Queensland, Australia. Correspondence: paul.debarro@csiro.au
Invasive species are considered by the IUCN to be amongst the top three threats to biodiversity and the structure and function of agricultural ecosystems. One of these, Bemisia tabaci is grouped in the GISP One Hundred of the World’s Worst Invasive Alien Species. Since the 1980s one Bemisia tabaci, biotype B, has been particularly successful at invading and establishing to the extent that it has extended its range from the region of the Middle East/Asia Minor to all continents except Antarctica. Yet B is not the only example of a successful B. tabaci invader. Here, the history of past B. tabaci invasions is discussed in the context of their impact on the global genetic structure of the complex. Possible mechanisms such as mating interference and competition for resources are described and their possible roles as contributing factors to the patterns observed discussed. A recent invasion in Asia by a non-B B. tabaci is described and its impact on local economies discussed.