Possibility of Overwintering of Bemisia tabaci Q-biotype (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) in Kumamoto

Overwintering of Bemisia tabaci Q-biotype (Gennadius), an important agricultural pest, was investigated in Kumamoto. As a result of research from 2007 to 2008, it was found that some of the eggs and nymphs of Q-biotype could overwinter under semi-outdoor conditions: the survival rate was 0.1-1.2%. However, the adult of Q-biotype could not overwinter under the same conditions. Furthermore, during 2008-2009, it was found that some of the eggs and nymphs of Q-biotype could overwinter under natural environmental conditions: the survival rate was 0.7%. All stages of B-biotype, however, could not overwinter under semi-outdoor conditions. These results indicate the possibility of overwintering of Q-biotype under natural environmental conditions, which has not been reported in Japan.