Is polyphagy of a specific cryptic species driving the high whitefly populations on cassava in eastern Africa?

Unlabelled: Since the 1990s, the cryptic whitefly () has been linked to severe viral disease pandemics affecting cassava, a crucial staple crop in eastern Africa. This surge in whitefly populations has also been observed in other crops and uncultivated plants. While previous surveys have connected the increase on cassava to two specific populations, SSA1 and SSA2, the dynamics behind the population growth on other plants remain unclear.

Comparative evolutionary analyses of eight whitefly Bemisia tabaci sensu lato genomes: cryptic species, agricultural pests and plant-virus vectors.

Background: The group of > 40 cryptic whitefly species called Bemisia tabaci sensu lato are amongst the world's worst agricultural pests and plant-virus vectors. Outbreaks of B. tabaci s.