reproductive potential of parthenogenetic Bemisia tabaci with different bacterial endosymbionts

Bemisia tabaci is a polyphagous agricultural pest and it has varied genetic groups harboring different bacterial endosymbionts. Many studies had revealed the reproductive potential of B. tabaci with different endosymbionts. But a comparative study showing the effects of endosymbionts on parthenogenetically reproducing (without mating) whiteflies resulting in only male progenies have not been conducted. This study evaluates the role of a secondary endosymbionts Arsenophonus on the life parameters of parthenogenetically reproducing Asia II genetic group with and without Arsenophonus (A⁺ and A). The results revealed that A females had increased fecundity and nymphal developmental time and longevity. Thus, it is demonstrated that parthenogenetically reproducing A⁺ whiteflies have lesser fitness as compared to Awhiteflies.