Distribution of Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) on vegetables in southern part of Montenegro

Abstract

Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) is very polyphagous pest, attacking more than 800 host plants. It causes serious damage to numerous vegetable and ornamental plants by feeding. Its economic importance is even higher because it transmits more than 400 virus species. Bemisia tabaci was found for the first time in Montenegro in May 2008 on Hibiscus sp. in area of the city of Podgorica. The first detection on vegetables was in September 2011 on melon (Cucumis melo L.) in an open field near city of Ulcinj. After the fi rst detection on vegetables, monitoring of B. tabaci was conducted in next five years (2012-2016) on localities in southern part of Montenegro (Ulcinj, Bar, Budva, Tivat, Herceg Novi, Podgorica) where the main vegetable production is placed. Visual inspections were carried out several times during the growing season from the end of June to the first half of October, on different vegetable plants. The results of the five-year monitoring showed the presence of B. tabaci in the area of Ulcinj, Bar, Budva, Tivat and Podgorica. No presence was detected in area of Herceg Novi. It was also established that the population density varied depending on the host plant and locality. B. tabaci was found on eight vegetables belonging to two botanical families: melon, cucumber, zucchini, pumpkin and watermelon (Cucurbitaceae), eggplant, tomato and pepper (Solanaceae). The melon was found as the most preferable host, followed by cucumber and eggplant. The complete development of B. tabaci was successfully completed on melon, cu cumber and eggplant.