Bemisia tabaci is a species complex consisting of at least 40 species which are morphologically indistinguishable. Althoughgenetic diversity of B. tabaci have been studied in many countries, its information is lack in Bangladesh. The COI sequencewas determined from 91 samples collected in Bangladesh and the phylogenetic relationship was constructed. Four crypticspecies (Asia I, Asia II-1, Asia II-5 and Asia II-10) were present in different regions. While both Asia I and Asia II-1was widely distributed in all around the country, Asia II-5 was central and southern regions, and Asia II-10 was onlyin the central region. Otherwise, our results showed that Asia II-5 had the highest haplotype and nucleotide diversity.Genetic groups of B. tabaci in Bangladesh were most similar with those of Thailand, Vietnam, Pakistan, China, and Indiabut did not show any aggressive cryptic species such as MED and MEAM-1.

The sweetpotato whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) is a serious pest and vector of various virus causing economic losses in a variety of vegetables in Bangladesh as well as worldwide. In the present study, the mtCOI sequence of B. tabaci was analysed using 70 samples collected from different host plants at 12 districts of Bangladesh. Phylogenetic analysis was shown genetic divergence of our samples was 0.12 – 13.97%. There was three independent clusters such as Asia I, Asia II-1 and Asia II-5 genetic groups. Sequence diversity among three groups was 13.97%, 15.07% and 9.67%. Geographic diversity, for example, Asia I distributed in Central and Northern parts, Asia II-5 Central and Southern parts but Asia II-1 were present everywhere in Bangladesh. There was no B and Q aggressive biotypes in Bangladesh. Most Asia I and II was distributed in southeastern countries including Thailand, Vietnam, Pakistan, China and India. Our results provide understanding of genetic diversity of B. tabaci in southeast area.