Since it was first reported in Brazil in the 1990s, the B biotype of silverleaf whitefly (
Bemisia tabaci
[Genn.], Hemiptera:
Aleyrodidae) has been recognized as an important pest in soybeans (
Glycine max
L.), reducing the productivity of this
legume species in some areas of the country. As an alternative to chemical control, the use of resistant genotypes represents
an important tool for integrated pest management (IPM). This study evaluated the performance of 10 soybean genotypes
prior to whitefly infestation, by testing attractiveness and preference for oviposition in the greenhouse and antibiosis in the
laboratory. In a multiple-choice test, 'IAC-17' was the least attractive to insects. In a no-choice test, 'IAC-17' was the least
attractive for egg deposition, indicating the occurrence of non-preference for oviposition on this genotype. Trichome density
was positively correlated with the oviposition site and may be associated with the resistance of 'IAC-17' to infestation.
The genotypes 'IAC-PL1', 'IAC-19', 'Conquista', 'IAC-24' and 'IAC-17' extended the insect's life cycle, indicating the
occurrence of a small degree of antibiosis and/or non-preference for feeding.
