Biotype status and resistance to neonicotinoids and carbosulfan in Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) in Burkina Faso, West Africa

Abstract : Bemisia tabaci Gennadius is a one of the major pests of cotton crops worldwide. In Burkina Faso, data on resistance to neonicotinoids and carbamate insecticides related to species/biotypes remain very scarce. To evaluate the resistance status of B. tabaci in Burkina Faso, four insecticides were tested using the leaf dip method on 10 field populations collected from cotton. The status of biotypes was also determined. Two biotypes, Q and ASL, were recorded. Only Q1 group was detected in Q biotype. A significant resistance to neonicotinoids and carbosulfan was shown in most of the populations tested. The highest resistance ratios (RRs) were recorded in populations from locations exhibiting only the Q1. However, the populations comprising a mix of Q1 and ASL appeared to be more susceptible to insecticides. Resistance to neonicotinoids may be related not only to the biotype status but also to the environmental factors and agricultural practices. The exclusive use of neonicotinoids against whiteflies on cotton in Burkina Faso is expected to continue to select for the resistant Q biotype and might threaten the short-term control of whitefly populations, thereby increasing the risk of outbreaks in different host plants and begomovirus transmission.