Whiteflies are small homopterans which typically feed by tapping into the phloem on the underside of plant leaves causing damage to the host plant. Additionally, Whiteflies are vectors for viruses that cause diseases in the host plant. Whiteflies have become one of the most serious global crop protection problems causing economic losses estimated in the hundreds of millions of dollars. Whitefly pandemics are regularly observed in the tropics and subtropics where the can cause a complete loss of crops with severe effects on human populations. Whiteflies include some of the most potent invasive species known. Several biotypes/species are presently spreading worldwide replacing local forms and introducing major agricultural problems. Whitefly control is difficult and complex. Our understanding of the phylogeny, dispersal patterns and reproductive biology of these organisms is limited.

HOGL, in co-operations with Judy Brown, Department of Plant Sciences, University of Arizona, is developing an genetic marker panel that expands existing and adds new loci to address questions of phylogeny, phylogeography, dispersal and hybridization with a focus on (1) a current cassava mosaic disease pandemic (transmitted by Whiteflies) in East Africa and (2) Whiteflies as an invasive species model. Our marker panel will allow for the genotyping of whitefly populations and improve diagnostics resulting in improved pest management strategies. (less pesticides, environmentally friendly, ecological equilibrium)