Genetic diversity of whitefly ( spp.) on crop and uncultivated plants in Uganda: implications for the control of this devastating pest species complex in Africa.

Unlabelled: Over the past three decades, highly increased whitefly () populations have been observed on the staple food crop cassava in eastern Africa and associated with ensuing viral disease pandemics and food insecurity. Increased whitefly numbers have also been observed in other key agricultural crops and weeds. Factors behind the population surges on different crops and their interrelationships are unclear, although in cassava they have been associated with specific populations within the species complex known to infest cassava crops in Africa.

African ancestry of New World, Bemisia tabaci-whitefly species.

Bemisia tabaci whitefly species are some of the world's most devastating agricultural pests and plant-virus disease vectors. Elucidation of the phylogenetic relationships in the group is the basis for understanding their evolution, biogeography, gene-functions and development of novel control technologies. We report here the discovery of five new Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) B.