Field evaluation of soybean cultivars for resistance to whitefly (Bemisia tabaci Genn.) infestations

Whitefly is one of the major yield reducing insect pests of soybean in the Mediterranean region. This study was conducted to screen soybean cultivars, taken from germplasm centers and private seed companies (USA), against the whitefly in the Mediterranean region after wheat harvest in between 1976 and 2005. No artificial infestation was made since whiteflies were very abundant. The whitefly observation was made in August which is the time of the heaviest infestation. Ten plants from each plot and three leaves from each plant (lower, medium and upper parts) were taken for investigation of whitefly population. Eggs, larvae and pupae numbers were determined on the leaves. Seventy two cultivars were found to be highly resistant, 46 cultivars resistant, 43 cultivars moderately resistant, 23 cultivars susceptible and 18 cultivars highly susceptible. Understanding of genetic control of resistance to whitefly can enhance development of resistant cultivars that could be grown in whitefly infested areas.