transcriptomics data of Bemisia tabaci Asia II-1

The tobacco whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) is a species complex of genetically distinguishing cryptic species and physiologically distinct differences between genetic groups (Rehman et al., 2021). B. tabaci cryptic species complex is comprised of 46 described species worldwide and 10 cryptic species from India (Rehman et al., 2021). The management of B. tabaci has become a difficult proposition owing to its development of resistance to commonly used insecticides (Liang et al., 2012). As a consequence of a variety of adverse effects of chemical insecticides, there are urgent demands for alternative strategies in modern pest management (i.e. for controlling insect populations). No information is available on OBPs/CSPs from B. tabaci Asian genetic groups. Understanding of molecular basis of olfactory recognition may help in identifying newer target sites for novel biorational molecules. Considering the importance of OBP/CSPS in the physiology of B. tabaci, the present study is taken up with the following objectives.

烟粉虱（Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius)）隶属于半翅目（Hemiptera）粉虱科（Aleyrodidae），是由多个遗传分化隐存种组成的物种复合体，且各遗传类群间存在显著生理差异（Rehman et al., 2021）。全球范围内已正式描述的烟粉虱隐存种复合体共计46个物种，其中印度地区分布有10个隐存种（Rehman et al., 2021）。由于烟粉虱对常用杀虫剂产生抗药性，其田间防治已成为一项棘手难题（Liang et al., 2012）。鉴于化学杀虫剂存在诸多负面影响，现代害虫治理（即昆虫种群防控）领域亟需研发替代防治策略。目前尚无针对烟粉虱亚洲遗传类群的气味结合蛋白（Odorant-binding proteins, OBPs）/化学感受蛋白（Chemosensory proteins, CSPs）的相关研究报道。解析嗅觉识别的分子机制，可为新型生物合理性农药开发新的作用靶标提供理论支撑。鉴于OBPs/CSPs在烟粉虱生理过程中的重要作用，本研究围绕以下研究目标展开：