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Updated: Feb 28, 2026
Methodology for Developing Life Tables for Sessile Insects in the Field Using the Whitefly, Bemisia tabaci, in Cotton As a Model System
Published on: November 1, 2017
Asymmetric thermal responses between the globally invasive pest Bemisia tabaci and its parasitoids: implications for
Xinyi Chen1, Zhan He2, Rongchan Li1
1Engineering Research Center of Biotechnology for Active Substances, Ministry of Education, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, China.
Background:
The rapid evolution of insecticide resistance in the whitefly Bemisia tabaci underscores an urgent need for integrated pest management strategies that prioritize biological control. Aphelinid parasitoids such as Encarsia formosa and Eretmocerus hayati are key natural enemies of B. tabaci. However, their biocontrol efficacy remains highly temperature-dependent, raising concerns given current climate warming predications. Here, we examined the physiological and molecular responses of B. tabaci and its two aphelinid parasitoids across a thermal gradient (20-35 °C). Their development, survival, antioxidant activity, energy reserves and transcriptomic profiles were assessed, with emphasis on comparisons between optimal (26 °C) and stressful (32 °C) conditions.
Results:
Our results revealed a narrow thermal optimum at 26 °C for B. tabaci development and survival. En. formosa exhibited faster development at higher temperatures but suffered a sharp decline in survival above 32 °C. By contrast, Er. hayati maintained high survival and developmental stability up to 32 °C; outperforming the other two species at 35 °C. Longevities decreased for all three species as temperature increased. Under heat stress, species-specific changes in antioxidant defense and metabolism were observed. These findings were supported by transcriptome data, which highlighted differential expression of genes involved in oxidative stress, energy metabolism and heat shock response. These molecular patterns clarify the physiological basis for divergent thermal tolerance observed among the different insects.
Conclusion:
Our findings reveal distinct thermal tolerance limits and adaptive strategies between B. tabaci and its parasitoids. These divergent physiological responses provide molecular ecological insights into thermal adaptation in a tri-trophic system, with important implications for optimizing biological control under changing climatic conditions. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.
