Different effects of exogenous jasmonic acid on preference and performance of viruliferous Bemisia tabaci B and Q

The sweetpotato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), B and Q biotypes have caused severe losses to crops and vegetables through virus transmission. Our previous studies showed that Q is more efficient than B in acquisition and transmission of tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) and viruliferous Q is better equipped than B in counterattacking jasmonic acid (JA)-related plant defense. To understand how plant-mediated defensive responses involving JA affect insect vectors within a tritrophic framework of plants, insects, and viruses, we examined the effects of exogenous JA on preference and performance of non-viruliferous and viruliferous B and Q on tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum L., Solanaceae). Our results demonstrated a significantly lower fecundity, shorter longevity, shorter developmental time, and lower survival rate of whiteflies on JA-treated than on control plants. In addition, viruliferous Q performed significantly better than B in fecundity, longevity, developmental time, and survival rate. When given a choice between JA-treated and control tomato plants, viruliferous Q was not repelled to JA-treated plants when the JA concentration was 0.01 and 0.1 mm, whereas others all preferred the untreated control plants. Exogenous JA increased the concentration and the composition of plant volatiles, such as α-terpinene and β-ocimene, which deterred whiteflies in a Y-tube bioassay. It is worth noting that Q has a mutualistic relationship with TYLCV to counteract the host defenses. A better understanding of tritrophic interactions between plants, insects, and viruses will facilitate the development of sustainable management of this invasive global pest.