Since the 1990s, the cryptic whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) 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. Additionally, other B. tabaci species, including EA1, IO, MED, SSA9, and SSA10, have been found on cassava in smaller numbers. This study aimed to identify the host plants that support the growth and development of different B. tabaci in Uganda by collecting fourth-instar nymphs from cassava and 20 other common host plants. Host transfer experiments were conducted to test the ability of seven species (EA1, MEAM1, MED-Africa Silver Leafing (ASL), SSA1-subgroup1, SSA1-Hoslundia, SSA6, and SSA12) to develop on cassava. The identities of the nymphs were determined using partial mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase 1 sequences. Twelve B. tabaci species were identified, including two novel species, based on the 3.5% nucleotide sequence divergence. Cassava was colonised by SSA1-SG1, SSA1-SG2, and SSA2. The most prevalent species were SSA1-SG1, MED-ASL, and SSA13, which were also the most polyphagous, colonising multiple plant species. Several whitefly species colonised specific weeds, such as Aspilia africana and Commelina benghalensis. The polyphagous nature of these species supports continuous habitats and virus reservoirs. Effective management of whitefly populations in eastern Africa requires an integrated approach that considers their polyphagy and the environmental factors sustaining host plants.

自 20 世纪 90 年代以来，神秘的烟粉虱 ( Bemisia tabaci ) 与影响木薯的严重病毒性疾病流行有关，而木薯是东非的重要主粮作物。在其他作物和未栽培的植物中也观察到粉虱数量的激增。虽然之前的调查已将木薯的增长与两个特定种群（SSA1 和 SSA2）联系起来，但其他植物种群增长背后的动态仍不清楚。此外，其他B .在木薯上发现的烟粉虱物种，包括 EA1、IO、MED、SSA9 和 SSA10，数量较少。本研究旨在确定支持不同B生长和发育的寄主植物。通过从木薯和其他 20 种常见寄主植物中收集四龄若虫，在乌干达消灭烟粉虱。进行宿主转移实验以测试七个物种（EA1、MEAM1、MED-非洲银叶 (ASL)、SSA1-subgroup1、SSA1-Hoslundia、SSA6 和 SSA12）在木薯上发育的能力。使用部分线粒体细胞色素氧化酶 1序列确定若虫的身份。十二B .基于 3.5% 的核苷酸序列差异，鉴定了烟粉虱物种，其中包括两个新物种。木薯被 SSA1-SG1、SSA1-SG2 和 SSA2 定殖。最常见的物种是 SSA1-SG1、MED-ASL 和 SSA13，它们也是最具杂食性的，定植于多种植物物种。几种粉虱寄生在特定的杂草上，例如非洲阿斯皮利亚（Aspilia africana）和鸭跖草（Commelina benghalensis） 。这些物种的多食性支持了连续的栖息地和病毒库。 东非烟粉虱种群的有效管理需要采取综合方法，考虑其多食性和维持寄主植物的环境因素。