Abstract: We  explored the population dynamics and spatial distribution ofBemisia tabaci in tomato fields under different adjacent crops (zucchini, cucumber and rose) in Kunming, Yunnan Province, using the five-point sampling method and the quartile method. The results showed the population size of B. tabaci in tomato monoculture fields was higher than that in other adjacent cropping patterns during the main occurrence period, being 26.69 heads per leaf for female adults, 6.74 heads per leaf for male adults and 16.47 heads per leaf for nymphs in tomato monoculture fields. The main occurrence period of B. tabaci was shorter in tomato fields adjacent to cucumber, and the peak activity date was later than that in other adjacent cropping patterns. The abundance of B. tabaci female adults was higher than that of male adults during the whole occurrence period across different adjacent cropping patterns. The sex radio of B. tabaci was highest in the tomato fields adjacent to zucchini, being 8.20. The abundance of B. tabaci adults was the highest in the upper position and the abundance of nymphs was the highest in the middle position of tomato plants across different adjacent cropping patterns. Tomato monoculture fields had the highest abundance of B. tabaci population, whereas tomato fields adjacent roses had the lowest population abundance. In order to reduce the population abundance of B. tabaci, it is suggested to plant roses and other flowers adjacent the tomato fields.

Key words: adjacent cropping, tomato, Bemisia tabaci, population dynamics.