Molecular Identification of Encarsia sophia (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae), Parasitoid of Whitefly, Bemesia tabaci in Cassava

Michelle S. Guerrero, Janice F. Laquinta, Bonifacio F. Cayabyab

Abstract


Cassava (Manihot esculenta) is a significant root crop for food and industrial uses. The cultivation of cassava in tropical and subtropical countries, including the Philippines, is threatened by arthropod pests, particularly the silverleaf whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci). Silverleaf whiteflies cause damage to cassava by feeding on the plant sap, leading to stunted growth, reduced yield, and even death of the plant. Parasitoids play a crucial role in controlling whitefly populations in cassava production. In this study, the identification of an unknown parasitoid inside immature whiteflies in major cassava growing areas in the Philippines was investigated. Morphological identification of the immature and adult parasitoid using classical taxonomy is challenging owing to the declining experts of taxonomists in the Philippines. Molecular methods were utilized to resolve the species of the whitefly parasitoid. Using the 28S molecular marker, the parasitoid was accurately identified as Encarsia sophia, with a 99% match to the reference sequence. The results from the study contribute to the rapid and accurate identification of the parasitoid. In addition, the presence of the parasitoid in cassava growing areas adds to the vital information on the local source of parasitoid in the Philippines. The findings of this research imply that chemical insecticide can be reduced in cassava growing areas, owing to the presence of parasitoids that can contribute to sustainable pest management. Future research can be conducted to investigate the ecological interactions and population dynamics of E. sophia and whiteflies for an effective biological control of whiteflies.

Keywords


Molecular Identification; Parasitoid; Encarsia sophia; Whitefly; Cassava

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References


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DOI: https://doi.org/10.21107/jsa.v1i2.8

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Journal of Science in Agrotechnology
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