A new record of Asia II 5 genetic group of (Gennadius) in the major potato growing areas of India and its relationship with tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus infecting potato.

The whitefly, (Gennadius), is responsible for significant yield losses in many crops, including potato, by sucking the phloem sap and transmitting a number of plant viruses. is a complex of cryptic species which is commonly designated as genetic groups. The genetic groups differ biologically with respect to host plant preference, insecticidal resistance, reproduction capacity, and ability to transmit begomoviruses. Therefore, understanding genetic variation among populations is important for establishing crop-specific distribution profile and management. We sequenced the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I () gene of collected from major potato growing areas of India. BLAST analysis of the 24 sequences with reference Gene Bank sequences revealed four genetic groups prevailing in this region. analysis exhibited the presence of Asia II 1, Asia II 5, Asia 1, and MEAM1 genetic groups. Our study highlighted that a new genetic group Asia II 5 has been detected in Indo-Gangetic Plains. Further virus-vector relationship study of ToLCNDV with Asia II 5 revealed that females are efficient vector of this virus as compared to males. This behavior of females might be due to their ability to acquire more virus titer than males. This study will help in better understanding of whitefly genetic group mediated virus diseases.