Biotype status and distribution of Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) in Shandong province of China based on mitochondrial DNA markers.

Bemisia tabaci has caused significant crop losses in China during the last decade. Recent research has shown that two potentially invasive variants, biotypes B and Q, have been found in several regions of China. Our objective was to determine the biotype status and the distribution of B. tabaci in Shandong province, an important agricultural region of China. Based on mitochondrial DNA markers, both biotypes B and Q were detected, with B being the predominant biotype. The results indicate that the more recently introduced biotype Q has not only been located in China but also has established and spread in some regions.