Culturable bacteria in Asia I and Asia II genetic groups of whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) species complex

This study enumerats the cultivable gut bacteria in the developmental stages of whitefly (Bemisia tabaci species complex) populations belonging to the Asia II-1 and Asia I genetic groups. The gut bacterial density was assessed by growing them in growth media for all the developmental stages viz., egg, four nymphal instars and adult. The highest bacterial density was observed with adults in both Asia II-1 (2.09×10⁶± 0.19 cfu/ml) and Asia I (6.4×10⁵±0.146 cfu/ml genetic groups). Analysis of morphological and biochemical characteristics revealed the presence of Pseudomonas and Sphingomonas. Specific association of Proteus spp., and Acinetobacter respectively, with Asia II-1 and Asia I genetic group was also noticed. The use of diverse growth media and biochemical kits for isolation and identification of culturable gut bacteria are also discussed.