College of Agriculture, University of Arizona (Tucson, AZ)
Abstract
Cotton, Gossypium spp., varying in leaf color (green vs. red), leaf shape (normal vs. okra) and leaf hairs per cm2 of leaf area were evaluated for sweetpotato whitefly (SPW), Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) Biotype B preference. Regression analysis showed SPW adults, eggs and nymphs were significantly related to leaf hairiness. Seasonal mean numbers of SPW adults, eggs, and nymphs were high variable within and between leaf color, shape, and hairiness types. Further studies are justified since some of the cottons may be potential sources of SPW resistant germplasm
