Micro-tom como planta modelo para estudos da interação Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius, 1889) biótipo B (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) com Solanum Lycopersicum L. (Solanaceae)

Abstract

The Arabidopsis thaliana L. is a plant for scientific studies, but it has limitations due to the natural absence of certain characteristics, such as glandular trichomes and fleshy fruits. The tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) has established itself as an alternative model plant, due to the existence of cultivar Micro-Tom, by its small size and fast life cycle. Numerous studies have been conducted to validate this cultivar as a model plant. Thus, was evaluated the possibility of using the cv. Micro-Tom as a model of susceptibility in the study of Tomato and Bemisia tabaci interaction in a replacing of the variety Santa Clara. Also, was assessed if the mutation that confers the hairless genotype influence in the preference for oviposition.. Initially, oviposition preference tests were done using genotypes Micro-Tom, hairless and Santa Clara, followed by the whitefly life cycle monitoring. In tests of oviposition preference, was observed that the Micro-Tom does not differentiate from the cv. Santa Clara. In following the life cycle, was observed a negative influence. Micro-Tom, in the survival rate of the nymphs was 47.15 ± 7.65% and the nymphal stage was prolonged. The adults had a shorter longevity. The variety offered some resistance degree to B. tabaci biotype B. The evaluation with the hairless mutant showed no change in the observed pattern, when compared to the Micro-Tom. Probably, the resistance caused by the Micro-Tom to the whitefly is independent to the observed by the allele Mi-1.2 due to the absence of this allele in Micro-Tom, which has been reported in other cultivars of S. lycopersicum. The observed resistance probably results from the expression of another gene, not yet characterized. It may also be a result of hormonal imbalance own cultivar or morphological explanations have, for example, lower concentration numbers of the phloem.