Journal of Environment and Pollution
Physiological Impacts of Bemisia Tabaci MEAM1 Infestation on Soybean Cultivars with Different Levels of Resistance
Abstract
Luciana Barboza
Whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci MEAM1) are among the most damaging insect pests in soybean cultivation, causing direct harm through phloem sap feeding, inducing physiological imbalances in the plant, and promoting the development of sooty mold. Indirectly, they serve as vectors of several plant viruses, particularly begomoviruses and criniviruses, which can lead to significant yield losses. This chapter presents an in-depth evaluation of the physiological responses of eleven soybean cultivars—classified as resistant or susceptible—to B. tabaci infestation under controlled greenhouse conditions. At the V3 phenological stage, plants were infested with 100 whitefly adults, and their physiological parameters were assessed throughout vegetative and reproductive phases. Key gas exchange traits, including photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, transpiration, and internal CO2 concentration, were analyzed to determine the extent of physiological alterations induced by herbivory.
The results revealed that B. tabaci infestation significantly influenced photosynthetic performance and water use efficiency, particularly during the vegetative stage. Notably, cultivars such as AS3810 and M8349 exhibited increased photosynthetic rates under infestation, suggesting a potential physiological compensation mechanism or inherent tolerance. In contrast, other cultivars displayed reduced efficiency or marked physiological disruption, underscoring genotypic variability in resistance and tolerance to the pest. This study highlights the complex plant-insect interactions at the physiological level and provides valuable insights into the role of cultivar-specific responses in integrated pest management. The findings may serve as a foundation for breeding programs aimed at improving soybean resilience to whitefly infestations while contributing to more sustainable agricultural systems.