Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
4.2
3.0
Journals
Insects
Special Issues
Population Genetics of Insects
share announcement

Population Genetics of Insects

A special issue of Insects (ISSN 2075-4450).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 July 2020) | Viewed by 73117

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Omaththage P. Perera

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
USDA-ARS Southern Insect Management Research Unit, 141 Experiment Station Road, Box 346, Stoneville, MS 38776, USA
Interests: population genetics; functional genomics; genetics of Bt resistance; insecticide resistance management

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In population genetics, a discipline that investigates genetic differences in populations, statistical modelling is used to estimate a wide range of parameters to compare populations in temporal and spatial scales. Some of the parameters estimated in population genetic studies include the variation in allele frequencies, rates of gene flow, migration rates, and differentiation between populations due to isolation mechanisms. Most importantly, population genetics studies provide insights into the mechanisms of evolution. In addition, several DNA marker-based population genetics studies have led to the identification of sympatric genetic (sibling) species complexes and the genetic sub-structuring of insect populations. Although chemical and biochemical markers were used in early population genetics studies, the most predominant marker loci used currently are nucleic acid polymorphisms due to economic high-throughput analysis made possible by advances in DNA sequencing technology. DNA-based markers such as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP), microsatellites (simple sequence repeats or SSR), and restriction site polymorphisms (RFLP and RAD-Seq) are a few of the widely used genotyping methods to collect data for population genetic analyses. The availability of economical high-throughput nucleotide sequencing methods has greatly facilitated the use of genome-wide polymorphisms in population genomics studies where the genomes of individual insects or pools of insects are evaluated.

Dr. Omaththage Perera
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Insects is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • population genetics
  • population genomics
  • gene flow
  • genetic diversity
  • genetic drift
  • population substructure
  • metapopulation
  • panmixia

Published Papers (22 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

18 pages, 5097 KiB  
Article
Genetic and Ecological Relationships of Anastrepha ludens (Diptera: Tephritidae) Populations in Southern Mexico
by Lorena Ruiz-Montoya, Rodrigo Verónica Vallejo, David Haymer and Pablo Liedo
Insects 2020, 11(11), 815; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects11110815 - 19 Nov 2020
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2258
Abstract
Knowledge of the influence of evolutionary factors that promote either the differentiation or cohesion of pest insect populations is critical for the improvement of control strategies. Here, we explore the extent to which genetic differentiation occurs between populations of the Mexican fruit fly, [...] Read more.
Knowledge of the influence of evolutionary factors that promote either the differentiation or cohesion of pest insect populations is critical for the improvement of control strategies. Here, we explore the extent to which genetic differentiation occurs between populations of the Mexican fruit fly, Anastrepha ludens, in association with four plant hosts (Citrus sinensis, C. paradisi, Mangifera indica and Casimiroa edulis) in the Soconusco region of Chiapas (Mexico). Using variants from six enzymatic loci, we obtained measures of genetic diversity for three sample arrangements: (1) by sex per locality, (2) by locality and (3) by host. The extent of genetic differentiation in populations was assessed using the Analyses of Molecular Variance (AMOVA) method for each array of samples, and moderate to high levels of genetic variation were observed between the sexes, as well as among localities and host plants. A Bayesian approach was then used to assess any population structure underlying the genetic data we obtained, but this analysis showed no significant structuring due to locality or host plant. We also considered whether the observed genotypic frequencies in male and females matched those expected under a hypothesis of random mating. Here we found significant deviations from expected genotypic frequencies, suggesting that sexual selection is acting on these populations. Overall, our results indicate that sexual selection, along with the presence of some heterogeneity in environments provided by both geographical factors and availability of host plants, has influenced the evolution of pest populations in this region of Mexico. Implications for area-wide pest management strategies are discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Population Genetics of Insects)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

17 pages, 1093 KiB  
Article
Population Genetic Structure and Demography of the Critically Endangered Chequered Blue Butterfly (Scolitantides orion) in a Highly Isolated Part of Its Distribution Range
by Magdalena Czajkowska, Łukasz Dawidowicz, Anetta Borkowska, Izabela Dziekańska and Marcin Sielezniew
Insects 2020, 11(9), 608; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects11090608 - 08 Sep 2020
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2298
Abstract
Scolitantides orion is a butterfly species threatened in many European countries. In Poland, it survived in a single highly isolated area (Vistula River valley), which is an example of the dramatic decline in the population number. We studied the two largest remaining populations [...] Read more.
Scolitantides orion is a butterfly species threatened in many European countries. In Poland, it survived in a single highly isolated area (Vistula River valley), which is an example of the dramatic decline in the population number. We studied the two largest remaining populations inhabiting opposite banks of the river. Mark-release-recapture studies showed that both populations were small, and they fluctuated in numbers, but adult individuals were twice as numerous on the western site. Genetic analyses were carried out using a mitochondrial (COI, ND5) and nuclear markers (Wgl, EF-1α, and microsatellite loci). We found out that genetic variation was low at both sites but higher in the smaller eastern population. This pattern is likely to be better explained by past distribution, when the butterfly, as a continental species used to be much more widespread in the east. However, the genetic differentiation between populations was low. This could suggest that the existing gene flow is facilitated by dominant regional wind direction, which may also contribute to a better genetic condition of the western population. Finally, a comparison of the obtained COI sequences with others available enabled us to reveal the phylogeographic pattern of the S. orion from different localities within its range. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Population Genetics of Insects)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 1789 KiB  
Article
Genetic Differentiation of a New World Screwworm Fly Population from Uruguay Detected by SNPs, Mitochondrial DNA and Microsatellites in Two Consecutive Years
by Luana Walravens Bergamo, Karina Lucas Silva-Brandão, Renato Vicentini, Pablo Fresia and Ana Maria Lima Azeredo-Espin
Insects 2020, 11(8), 539; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects11080539 - 16 Aug 2020
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2930
Abstract
The New World screwworm (NWS) fly, Cochliomyia hominivorax (Diptera: Calliphoridae), is an economically important ectoparasite currently distributed in South America and in the Caribbean basin. The successful eradication of this species in USA, Mexico and continental Central America was achieved by a control [...] Read more.
The New World screwworm (NWS) fly, Cochliomyia hominivorax (Diptera: Calliphoridae), is an economically important ectoparasite currently distributed in South America and in the Caribbean basin. The successful eradication of this species in USA, Mexico and continental Central America was achieved by a control program based on the sterile insect technique (SIT). In order to implement a genetic control strategy over the NWS fly’s current area of occurrence, first, it is necessary to understand the species dynamics and population structure. In order to address this objective, the spatial genetic structure of the NWS fly was previously reported in South America based on different genetic markers; however, to date, no study has investigated temporal changes in the genetic composition of its populations. In the current study, the temporal genetic structure of a NWS fly population from Uruguay was investigated through two consecutive samplings from the same locality over an interval of approximately 18 generations. The genetic structure was accessed with neutral and under selection SNPs obtained with genotyping-by-sequencing. The results gathered with these data were compared to estimates achieved with mitochondrial DNA sequences and eight microsatellite markers. Temporal changes in the genetic composition were revealed by all three molecular markers, which may be attributed to seasonal changes in the NWS fly’s southern distribution. SNPs were employed for the first time for estimating the genetic structure in a NWS fly population; these results provide new clues and perspectives on its population genetic structure. This approach could have significant implications for the planning and implementation of management programs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Population Genetics of Insects)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

10 pages, 1273 KiB  
Article
DNA Barcoding: A Reliable Method for the Identification of Thrips Species (Thysanoptera, Thripidae) Collected on Sticky Traps in Onion Fields
by Rita Marullo, Francesco Mercati and Gregorio Vono
Insects 2020, 11(8), 489; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects11080489 - 01 Aug 2020
Cited by 24 | Viewed by 4114
Abstract
Several thrips species (Insecta, Thysanoptera) are globally known as important crop pests and vectors of viral diseases, but their identification is difficult because of their small body size and inconspicuous morphological differences. Sequencing variation in the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) region [...] Read more.
Several thrips species (Insecta, Thysanoptera) are globally known as important crop pests and vectors of viral diseases, but their identification is difficult because of their small body size and inconspicuous morphological differences. Sequencing variation in the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) region has been proven to be useful for the identification of species of many groups of insect pests. Here, DNA barcoding has been used to identify thrips species collected with the use of sticky traps placed in an open onion field. A total of 238 thrips specimens were analyzed, 151 of which could be identified to species and 27 to genera belonging to the family Thripidae. Fifty-one specimens could not be assigned to any genus, with the closest BLAST match in the GenBank queries being below 98%, whilst six specimens were not recognized as Thysanoptera. The results indicate that, although there are a few pest thrips species not yet barcoded, most of the species that may cause damage to crops in Europe are represented in GenBank and other databases, enabling correct identification. Additionally, DNA barcoding can be considered a valuable alternative to the classic morphology method for identification of major thrips species. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Population Genetics of Insects)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 1586 KiB  
Article
Ecology and Genetic Structure of the Parasitoid Phobocampe confusa (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) in Relation to Its Hosts, Aglais Species (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae)
by Hélène Audusseau, Gaspard Baudrin, Mark R. Shaw, Naomi L. P. Keehnen, Reto Schmucki and Lise Dupont
Insects 2020, 11(8), 478; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects11080478 - 28 Jul 2020
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2729
Abstract
The biology of parasitoids in natural ecosystems remains very poorly studied, though they are key species for their functioning. Here we focused on Phobocampe confusa, a Nymphalini specialist, responsible for high mortality rates in charismatic butterfly species in Europe (genus Aglais). [...] Read more.
The biology of parasitoids in natural ecosystems remains very poorly studied, though they are key species for their functioning. Here we focused on Phobocampe confusa, a Nymphalini specialist, responsible for high mortality rates in charismatic butterfly species in Europe (genus Aglais). We studied its ecology and genetic structure in connection with those of its host butterflies in Sweden. To this aim, we gathered data from 428 P. confusa individuals reared from 6094 butterfly larvae (of A. urticae, A. io, and in two occasions of Araschnia levana) collected over two years (2017 and 2018) and across 19 sites distributed along a 500 km latitudinal gradient. We found that P. confusa is widely distributed along the latitudinal gradient. Its distribution seems constrained over time by the phenology of its hosts. The large variation in climatic conditions between sampling years explains the decrease in phenological overlap between P. confusa and its hosts in 2018 and the 33.5% decrease in the number of butterfly larvae infected. At least in this study, P. confusa seems to favour A. urticae as host. While it parasitized nests of A. urticae and A. io equally, the proportion of larvae parasitized is significantly higher for A. urticae. At the landscape scale, P. confusa is almost exclusively found in vegetated open land and near deciduous forests, whereas artificial habitats are negatively correlated with the likelihood of a nest to be parasitized. The genetic analyses on 89 adult P. confusa and 87 adult A. urticae using CO1 and AFLP markers reveal a low genetic diversity in P. confusa and a lack of genetic structure in both species, at the scale of our sampling. Further genetic studies using high-resolution genomics tools will be required to better understand the population genetic structure of P. confusa, its biotic interactions with its hosts, and ultimately the stability and the functioning of natural ecosystems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Population Genetics of Insects)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 1305 KiB  
Article
Infestation Pattern and Population Dynamics of the Tropical Bed Bug, Cimex hemipterus (F.) (Hemiptera: Cimicidae) Based on Novel Microsatellites and mtDNA Markers
by Wan Nur Fatanah Wan Mohammad, Li-Shen Soh, Wan Nurainie Wan Ismail and G. Veera Singham
Insects 2020, 11(8), 472; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects11080472 - 25 Jul 2020
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3614
Abstract
The tropical bed bug, Cimex hemipterus (F.), has now emerged as an important public health pest in the tropics. Despite its alarming infestation rate, the information on its population genetics remains scarce. Here, we described the infestation structure and population dynamics of C. [...] Read more.
The tropical bed bug, Cimex hemipterus (F.), has now emerged as an important public health pest in the tropics. Despite its alarming infestation rate, the information on its population genetics remains scarce. Here, we described the infestation structure and population dynamics of C. hemipterus in the tropics, especially Malaysia and Singapore, based on eight novel microsatellites and two mtDNA markers, including cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) and 16S rRNA genes. Across populations, microsatellite data revealed high genetic diversity with significant genetic differentiation and restricted gene flow. Analysis within populations revealed evidence of a recent bottleneck. Nonetheless, elevated genetic diversity in nearly all populations suggests that the propagule in C. hemipterus populations were much diverse, distantly related (mean r = 0.373), and not significantly inbred (mean FIS = 0.24) than that observed in Cimex lectularius from previous studies. We observed seven mtDNA haplotypes across the 18 populations studied (Hd = 0.593) and several populations displayed more than one matrilineal descent. The two markers were generally congruent in suggesting a common, genetically diverse (especially at the nuclear region) source population with possibilities of multiple introductions for the bed bug populations in the present study. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Population Genetics of Insects)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 1787 KiB  
Article
Temporal Variation in Genetic Composition of Migratory Helicoverpa Zea in Peripheral Populations
by Omaththage P. Perera, Howard W. Fescemyer, Shelby J. Fleischer and Craig A. Abel
Insects 2020, 11(8), 463; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects11080463 - 23 Jul 2020
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3139
Abstract
Migrant populations of Helicoverpa zea (Boddie) captured during 2002, 2005, 2016, and 2018 from Landisville and Rock Springs in Pennsylvania, USA were genotyped using 85 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. Samples (n = 702) genotyped were divided into 16 putative populations based on [...] Read more.
Migrant populations of Helicoverpa zea (Boddie) captured during 2002, 2005, 2016, and 2018 from Landisville and Rock Springs in Pennsylvania, USA were genotyped using 85 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. Samples (n = 702) genotyped were divided into 16 putative populations based on collection time and site. Fixation indices (F-statistics), analysis of molecular variance, and discriminant analysis of principal components were used to examine within and among population genetic variation. The observed and expected heterozygosity in putative populations ranged from 0.317–0.418 and 0.320–0.359, respectively. Broad range of FST (0.0–0.2742) and FIS (0.0–0.2330) values indicated different genotype frequencies between and within the populations, respectively. High genetic diversity within and low genetic differentiation between populations was found in 2002 and 2005. Interestingly, high genetic differentiation between populations from two collection sites observed in 2018 populations was not evident in within-site comparisons of putative populations collected on different dates during the season. The shift of H. zea population genetic makeup in 2018 may be influenced by multiple biotic and abiotic factors including tropical storms. Continued assessment of these peripheral populations of H. zea will be needed to assess the impacts of genetic changes on pest control and resistance management tactics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Population Genetics of Insects)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

14 pages, 8789 KiB  
Article
Genetic Diversity in Invasive Populations of Argentine Stem Weevil Associated with Adaptation to Biocontrol
by Thomas W. R. Harrop, Marissa F. Le Lec, Ruy Jauregui, Shannon E. Taylor, Sarah N. Inwood, Tracey van Stijn, Hannah Henry, John Skelly, Siva Ganesh, Rachael L. Ashby, Jeanne M. E. Jacobs, Stephen L. Goldson and Peter K. Dearden
Insects 2020, 11(7), 441; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects11070441 - 14 Jul 2020
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3479
Abstract
Modified, agricultural landscapes are susceptible to damage by insect pests. Biological control of pests is typically successful once a control agent has established, but this depends on the agent’s capacity to co-evolve with the host. Theoretical studies have shown that different levels of [...] Read more.
Modified, agricultural landscapes are susceptible to damage by insect pests. Biological control of pests is typically successful once a control agent has established, but this depends on the agent’s capacity to co-evolve with the host. Theoretical studies have shown that different levels of genetic variation between the host and the control agent will lead to rapid evolution of resistance in the host. Although this has been reported in one instance, the underlying genetics have not been studied. To address this, we measured the genetic variation in New Zealand populations of the pasture pest, Argentine stem weevil (Listronotus bonariensis), which is controlled with declining effectiveness by a parasitoid wasp, Microctonus hyperodae. We constructed a draft reference genome of the weevil, collected samples from a geographical survey of 10 sites around New Zealand, and genotyped them using a modified genotyping-by-sequencing approach. New Zealand populations of Argentine stem weevil have high levels of heterozygosity and low population structure, consistent with a large effective population size and frequent gene flow. This implies that Argentine stem weevils were able to evolve more rapidly than their biocontrol agent, which reproduces asexually. These findings show that monitoring genetic diversity in biocontrol agents and their targets is critical for long-term success of biological control. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Population Genetics of Insects)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 855 KiB  
Article
Phylogeography of Organophosphate Resistant ace Alleles in Spanish Olive Fruit Fly Populations: A Mediterranean Perspective in the Global Change Context
by Esther Lantero, Beatriz Matallanas, Susana Pascual, M. Dolores Ochando and Carmen Callejas
Insects 2020, 11(6), 396; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects11060396 - 26 Jun 2020
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3081
Abstract
The olive fruit fly (olf) Bactrocera oleae is the most damaging olive pest. The intensive use of organophosphates (OPs) to control it, led to an increase in resistance in field populations. This study assesses the presence and distribution of three mutations [...] Read more.
The olive fruit fly (olf) Bactrocera oleae is the most damaging olive pest. The intensive use of organophosphates (OPs) to control it, led to an increase in resistance in field populations. This study assesses the presence and distribution of three mutations at the ace gene related to target site insensitivity to OPs in Spain. Samples from other Mediterranean countries were included as external references. Resistance-conferring alleles (from exons IV and VII of the ace gene) reached almost an 80% frequency in olf Spanish populations. In total, 62% of them were homozygous (RR/RR), this being more common in eastern mainland Spain. High frequencies of RR/RR individuals were also found in North Mediterranean samples. Conversely, in Tunisia, only sensitive alleles were detected. Finally, the exon X mutation ∆Q3 had an extremely low frequency in all samples. The high frequency of genotype RR/RR in Spain indicates high fitness in an agroecosystem treated with pesticides, in contrast to ∆Q3. At exon IV all flies carried the same haplotype for the allele conferring resistance. The sequence analysis at this exon suggests a unique origin and fast expansion of the resistant allele. These results provide evidence that OPs appropriate use is needed and prompt the search for alternative methods for olf pest control. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Population Genetics of Insects)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

20 pages, 7479 KiB  
Article
Community Structure of Aquatic Insects Adapted to Lentic Water Environments, and Fine-Scale Analyses of Local Population Structures and the Genetic Structures of an Endangered Giant Water Bug Appasus japonicus
by Kazuhiro Tomita, Tomoya Suzuki, Koki Yano and Koji Tojo
Insects 2020, 11(6), 389; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects11060389 - 23 Jun 2020
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4449
Abstract
Environments such as floodplains and the marshlands of rivers, lakes and ponds, are important habitats for aquatic insects adapted to lentic water conditions. In addition, ponds and paddy fields artificially created for agriculture are also important alternative habitats for lotic water-dependent wildlife. In [...] Read more.
Environments such as floodplains and the marshlands of rivers, lakes and ponds, are important habitats for aquatic insects adapted to lentic water conditions. In addition, ponds and paddy fields artificially created for agriculture are also important alternative habitats for lotic water-dependent wildlife. In this study, we focused on aquatic insects in ponds in the Matsumoto Basin, located in the center of Japan. Although this is an urbanized area, aquatic animals adapted to floodplains inhabit it at a relatively high density for Japan. We conducted a multifaceted evaluation of the environments of the 33 ponds in this region and conducted a survey of the aquatic insect fauna inhabiting them. In this study, we conducted quantitative sampling, focusing on two insect orders adapted to large-scale lentic water environments (i.e., Heteroptera and Coleoptera), and observed five species of three families and 16 species of five families from the Matsumoto Basin, respectively. Within these species, eight endangered species were included. Furthermore, we carried out a genetic structure analysis for the giant water bug, Appasus japonicus, inhabiting these ponds in high density, and conducted a comparative evaluation of their genetic diversity between these ponds. A total of 530 specimens of A. japonicus were genetically analyzed for the mitochondrial DNA COI region, and 26 haplotypes were observed. The degree of genetic diversity between the ponds was clearly demonstrated. In addition, we discussed the wintering possibilities for the giant water bugs based on their corresponding surrounding environmental factors, and comprehensively discussed their “source−sink” relationships in this region. Therefore, this is a comprehensive study focused on the relevant environmental factors, diversification of their community structures, their population structures, and their genetic structure at a fine scale. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Population Genetics of Insects)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 1257 KiB  
Article
Mitochondrial COI Sequence Variations within and among Geographic Samples of the Hemp Pest Psylliodes attenuata from China
by Litao Guo, Feng Gao, Yi Cheng, Chunsheng Gao, Jia Chen, Zhimin Li, Tuhong Wang and Jianping Xu
Insects 2020, 11(6), 370; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects11060370 - 14 Jun 2020
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3411
Abstract
The hemp flea beetle Psylliodes attenuata (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Psylliodes) is a common pest of Cannabis sativa, including cultivars of both industrial hemp and medicinal marijuana. Both the larval and adult stages of this beetle can cause significant damages to C. sativa, [...] Read more.
The hemp flea beetle Psylliodes attenuata (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Psylliodes) is a common pest of Cannabis sativa, including cultivars of both industrial hemp and medicinal marijuana. Both the larval and adult stages of this beetle can cause significant damages to C. sativa, resulting in substantial crop losses. At present, little is known about the populations of this pest, including its genetic diversity. In this study, we obtained 281 P. attenuata samples from nine field sites representing broad industrial hemp productions in China and analyzed their DNA sequences at the mitochondrial COI gene, the insect DNA barcode. Our analyses revealed a total of 48 haplotypes, with 28 being found only in one specimen each while the remaining 20 were shared by two or more specimens each. Of the 20 shared haplotypes, eight were shared among local populations often from far away locations, consistent with recent long-distance dispersals. However, the observed putative long-distance dispersals have not obscured the significant genetic differentiations among the regional populations from northeastern, eastern, central and southwestern China. Interestingly, haplotype network analyses suggest evidence for potential mitochondrial recombination in natural populations of this species. We briefly discuss the implications of our results on its evolution, center of diversity, route of spread, and pest management strategies in hemp fields. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Population Genetics of Insects)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 2285 KiB  
Article
Population Genetic Structure of Codling Moth, Cydia pomonella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), in Different Localities and Host Plants in Chile
by Alejandra Basoalto, Claudio C. Ramírez, Blas Lavandero, Luis Devotto, Tomislav Curkovic, Pierre Franck and Eduardo Fuentes-Contreras
Insects 2020, 11(5), 285; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects11050285 - 06 May 2020
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3116
Abstract
The codling moth, Cydia pomonella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), is a major pest introduced to almost all main pome fruit production regions worldwide. This species was detected in Chile during the last decade of the 19th century, and now has a widespread distribution in [...] Read more.
The codling moth, Cydia pomonella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), is a major pest introduced to almost all main pome fruit production regions worldwide. This species was detected in Chile during the last decade of the 19th century, and now has a widespread distribution in all major apple-growing regions. We performed an analysis of the genetic variability and structure of codling moth populations in Chile using five microsatellite markers. We sampled the codling moth along the main distribution area in Chile on all its main host-plant species. Low genetic differentiation among the population samples (FST = 0.03) was found, with only slight isolation by distance. According to a Bayesian assignment test (TESS), a group of localities in the coastal mountain range from the Bío-Bío Region formed a distinct genetic cluster. Our results also suggest that the codling moth that invaded the southernmost locality (Aysén Region) had two origins from central Chile and another unknown source. We did not find significant genetic differentiation between codling moth samples from different host-plant species. Our results indicate high genetic exchange among codling moth populations between the different Chilean regions and host plants. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Population Genetics of Insects)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 1213 KiB  
Article
Development of Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) Markers for Analysis of Population Structure and Invasion Pathway in the Coconut Leaf Beetle Brontispa longissima (Gestro) Using Restriction Site-Associated DNA (RAD) Genotyping in Southern China
by Zhiming Chen, Guihua Wang, Min Li, Zhengqiang Peng, Habib Ali, Lina Xu, Geoff M. Gurr and Youming Hou
Insects 2020, 11(4), 230; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects11040230 - 07 Apr 2020
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3227
Abstract
To determine population genomic structure through high-throughput sequencing techniques has revolutionized research on non-model organisms. The coconut leaf beetle, Brontispa longissima (Gestro), is a widely distributed pest in Southern China. Here, we used restriction site-associated DNA (RAD) genotyping to assess the invasion pathway [...] Read more.
To determine population genomic structure through high-throughput sequencing techniques has revolutionized research on non-model organisms. The coconut leaf beetle, Brontispa longissima (Gestro), is a widely distributed pest in Southern China. Here, we used restriction site-associated DNA (RAD) genotyping to assess the invasion pathway by detecting and estimating the degree of genetic differentiation among 51 B. longissima accessions collected from Southern China. A total of 10,127 SNPs were obtained, the screened single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) information was used to construct the phylogenetic tree, FST analysis, principal component analysis, and population structure analysis. Genetic structure analysis was used to infer the population structure; the result showed that all accessions were divided into Hainan population and non-Hainan population. The Hainan population remained stable, only the Sansha population differentiated, and the non-Hainan populations have gradually differentiated into smaller sub-populations. We concluded that there are two sources of invasion of B. longissima into mainland China: Taiwan and Hainan. With the increase of the invasion time, the Hainan population was relatively stable, and the Taiwan population was differentiated into three sub-populations. Based on the unrooted phylogenetic tree, we infer that Taiwan and Hainan are the two invasive base points. The Taiwan population invaded Fujian, Guangdong, and Guangxi, while the Hainan population invaded Yunnan and Sansha. Our results provide strong evidence for the utility of RAD sequencing (RAD-seq) in population genetics studies, and our generated SNP resource could provide a valuable tool for population genomics studies of B. longissima in the future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Population Genetics of Insects)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

9 pages, 1064 KiB  
Article
Hidden Genetic Variability, Can the Olive Moth Prays oleae (Lepidoptera: Yponomeutidae or Praydidae?) be a Species’ Complex?
by Marlon Pazian, Tânia Nobre, Imen Blibech and Fernando T Rei
Insects 2020, 11(4), 204; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects11040204 - 26 Mar 2020
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2352
Abstract
Prays oleae is the second most important pest in Mediterranean olive groves, causing substantial damage on olive production. We used mitochondrial [cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI), and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 5 (nad5)] and nuclear [ribosomal protein S5 ( [...] Read more.
Prays oleae is the second most important pest in Mediterranean olive groves, causing substantial damage on olive production. We used mitochondrial [cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI), and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 5 (nad5)] and nuclear [ribosomal protein S5 (RpS5)] amplicons to assess the population variability in five main olive producing regions from Tunisia, to support or dismiss the existence of two non-monophyletic groups within the species, as found within Portugal. Our phylogenetic analysis with cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) indeed displayed two distinct and well-supported clades of P. oleae, which were corroborated by the haplotype network reconstructed with both mitochondrial and nuclear amplicons. We were also able to dismiss the hypothesis that one of the clades would not develop on olive fruits. No correlation was observed between clades differentiation and geographic distribution. The existence of cryptic species can impact on the management of agroecosystems and on the perception of how these moths responds to environmental changes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Population Genetics of Insects)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 2421 KiB  
Article
Gene Flow Patterns among Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) Populations in Sri Lanka
by H.S.D. Fernando, Menaka Hapugoda, Rushika Perera, William C. Black IV and B.G.D.N.K. De Silva
Insects 2020, 11(3), 169; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects11030169 - 06 Mar 2020
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3608
Abstract
In Sri Lanka, dengue is the most serious arboviral disease. Recent increases in dengue cases suggest a higher infection rate and spread of the disease to new areas. The present study explores gene flow patterns of Ae. aegypti, the main vector of [...] Read more.
In Sri Lanka, dengue is the most serious arboviral disease. Recent increases in dengue cases suggest a higher infection rate and spread of the disease to new areas. The present study explores gene flow patterns of Ae. aegypti, the main vector of dengue disease, among 10 collection sites including major ports and inland cities using variations at 11 microsatellite loci. Discriminant analysis of principal components (DAPC) and k-means clustering estimated eight genetic clusters. Analysis of Molecular Variance (AMOVA) estimated equal variances among cities and among collections in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Significant evidence, although weak, was detected for isolation by distance. Analysis of gene flow rates and directions using MIGRATE-n indicated that populations throughout the island served as a source of immigrants for Colombo with abundant gene flow among major commercial cities in Sri Lanka, which appear to receive migrant mosquitoes from throughout Sri Lanka. The observed patterns probably arise through human movement of Ae. aegypti during commerce from throughout Sri Lanka into Colombo increasing the risk of spread. The patterns uncovered in this study are significant for global health as Sri Lanka is situated along a key international shipping route. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Population Genetics of Insects)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 3155 KiB  
Article
Phylogeny of the Subtribe Monoctonina (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Aphidiinae)
by Jelisaveta Čkrkić, Andjeljko Petrović, Korana Kocić, Milana Mitrović, Nickolas G. Kavallieratos, Cornelis van Achterberg, Paul D. N. Hebert and Željko Tomanović
Insects 2020, 11(3), 160; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects11030160 - 02 Mar 2020
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3481
Abstract
Members of the Monoctonina subtribe have long been neglected in applied studies of the subfamily Aphidiinae, due to their low economic importance, as they do not parasitize pests of cultivated plants. Consequently, data about this group are scarce, including its taxonomy and phylogeny. [...] Read more.
Members of the Monoctonina subtribe have long been neglected in applied studies of the subfamily Aphidiinae, due to their low economic importance, as they do not parasitize pests of cultivated plants. Consequently, data about this group are scarce, including its taxonomy and phylogeny. In the present study, we explore inter- and intraspecific genetic variation of Monoctonina species, including genera Monoctonus Haliday 1833, Monoctonia Starý 1962, Falciconus Mackauer 1959 and Harkeria Cameron 1900. We employ two molecular markers, the barcode region of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and the D2 region of the 28S nuclear gene (28S rDNA), to analyze genetic structuring and phylogeny of all available Monoctonina species, and combine them with morphological data for an integrative approach. We report one new species, and three potentially new species which can be formally described when further specimens are available. Analysis of phylogenetic relationships within the subtribe shows a basal position for the genera Falciconus and Monoctonia, and the close relatedness of Harkeria and Monoctonus. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Population Genetics of Insects)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 1886 KiB  
Article
Genetic Divergence of Two Sitobion avenae Biotypes on Barley and Wheat in China
by Da Wang, Xiaoqin Shi, Deguang Liu, Yujing Yang and Zheming Shang
Insects 2020, 11(2), 117; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects11020117 - 11 Feb 2020
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2486
Abstract
Host plant affinity and geographic distance can play critical roles in the genetic divergence of insect herbivores and evolution of insect biotypes, but their relative importance in the divergence of insect populations is still poorly understood. We used microsatellite markers to test the [...] Read more.
Host plant affinity and geographic distance can play critical roles in the genetic divergence of insect herbivores and evolution of insect biotypes, but their relative importance in the divergence of insect populations is still poorly understood. We used microsatellite markers to test the effects of host plant species and geographic distance on divergence of two biotypes of the English grain aphid, Sitobion avenae (Fabricius). We found that clones of S. avenae from western provinces (i.e., Xinjiang, Gansu, Qinghai and Shaanxi) had significantly higher genetic diversity than those from eastern provinces (i.e., Anhui, Henan, Hubei, Zhejiang and Jiangsu), suggesting their differentiation between both areas. Based on genetic diversity and distance estimates, biotype 1 clones of eastern provinces showed high genetic divergence from those of western provinces in many cases. Western clones of S. avenae also showed higher genetic divergence among themselves than eastern clones. The Mantel test identified a significant isolation-by-distance (IBD) effect among different geographic populations of S. avenae, providing additional evidence for a critical role of geography in the genetic structure of both S. avenae biotypes. Genetic differentiation (i.e., FST) between the two biotypes was low in all provinces except Shaanxi. Surprisingly, in our analyses of molecular variance, non-significant genetic differentiation between both biotypes or between barley and wheat clones of S. avenae was identified, showing little contribution of host-plant associated differentiation to the divergence of both biotypes in this aphid. Thus, it is highly likely that the divergence of the two S. avenae biotypes involved more geographic isolation and selection of some form than host plant affinity. Our study can provide insights into understanding of genetic structure of insect populations and the divergence of insect biotypes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Population Genetics of Insects)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 1296 KiB  
Article
Microsatellite Marker Discovery in the Stingless Bee Uruçu-Amarela (Melipona rufiventris Group, Hymenoptera, Meliponini) for Population Genetic Analysis
by Aline B. Negreiros, Geice R. Silva, Francisca A. S. Oliveira, Helder C. Resende, Tânia M. Fernandes-Salomão, Rodrigo Maggioni, Fabia M. Pereira, Bruno A. Souza, Maria T. R. Lopes and Fábio M. Diniz
Insects 2019, 10(12), 450; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects10120450 - 13 Dec 2019
Viewed by 2930
Abstract
The species Melipona rufiventris Lepeletier, 1836 is a Brazilian native stingless bee that is part of a species complex known as the ‘rufiventris group’, making it difficult to distinguish between the different species. Populations in this group are facing a severe decline, [...] Read more.
The species Melipona rufiventris Lepeletier, 1836 is a Brazilian native stingless bee that is part of a species complex known as the ‘rufiventris group’, making it difficult to distinguish between the different species. Populations in this group are facing a severe decline, leading to the risk of local extinction, and therefore, their conservation should be treated as a major concern. This study describes the first set of tri- and tetranucleotide microsatellite markers, using next-generation sequencing technology for use in the identification of genetic diversity and population structure in the ‘rufiventris group’. A total of 16 microsatellite loci displayed polymorphism. Analysis of the whole data set (n = 50) detected 63 alleles in all loci, ranging from 2 to 7 with a mean of 3.9 alleles/locus. A genetic diversity analysis revealed high values for population differentiation estimates (FST = 0.252, RST = 0.317, and DEST = 0.284) between the Atlantic Forest, Cerrado, and Caatinga biomes. An additional evidence for genetic divergence among populations was also found in the ’rufiventris group’; these should be treated as separate conservation units or even as separate species. These microsatellite markers have demonstrated a strong potential for assessing population discrimination in this threatened stingless bee group. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Population Genetics of Insects)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 1921 KiB  
Article
Population Genetic Structure of Aphis gossypii Glover (Hemiptera: Aphididae) in Korea
by Hwa Yeun Nam, Yujeong Park and Joon-Ho Lee
Insects 2019, 10(10), 319; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects10100319 - 26 Sep 2019
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2977
Abstract
Aphis gossypii Glover (Hemiptera: Aphididae) is a serious polyphagous agricultural pest worldwide. In the present study, we used eight microsatellite markers to investigate the genetic structure and diversity of A. gossypii populations in Korea. Samples were collected from 37 locations in Korea (18 [...] Read more.
Aphis gossypii Glover (Hemiptera: Aphididae) is a serious polyphagous agricultural pest worldwide. In the present study, we used eight microsatellite markers to investigate the genetic structure and diversity of A. gossypii populations in Korea. Samples were collected from 37 locations in Korea (18 populations in 2016, 14 populations in 2017, and five populations in 2018) from pepper plants. A. gossypii had low to moderate genetic diversity, and expected heterozygosity (HE) ranged from 0.354 to 0.719. A Mantel test of isolation by distance indicated no relationship between genetic structure and geographic distance among all populations (r2 = 0.0004, p = 0.370), suggesting high gene flow among populations in Korea. Populations of A. gossypii in Korea were divided into two distinct genetic clusters (ΔK = 2). In 2016 and 2017, the genetic clusters changed into opposite genetic structures within one year mostly in northwest and southeast parts of Korea. Possible relevance of study results was discussed. Chemical control, cyclical parthenogenesis, and immigrants from the exterior might have resulted in this low genetic diversity and opposite genetic clusters. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Population Genetics of Insects)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 1496 KiB  
Article
Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Natural Lycorma delicatula (White) (Hemiptera: Fulgoridea) Populations in China as Revealed by Microsatellite and Mitochondrial Markers
by Li Zhang, Wenhui Zhao, Fuping Wang and Daozheng Qin
Insects 2019, 10(10), 312; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects10100312 - 23 Sep 2019
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4159
Abstract
The spotted lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula (White) (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae), is a polyphagous pest originating in China and now widely distributed in Asian countries. This is one of the more serious forestry pests with a broad host range and causes significant economic losses. Molecular comparison [...] Read more.
The spotted lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula (White) (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae), is a polyphagous pest originating in China and now widely distributed in Asian countries. This is one of the more serious forestry pests with a broad host range and causes significant economic losses. Molecular comparison has been used to investigate this pest’s origin in China, and recent studies have explored the genetic structure among populations in Korea. However, the population structure of this pest in China remains poorly understood. In this study, 13 microsatellite markers and two mitochondrial markers (from nicotinamide adenine dinucleotid (NADH) dehydrogenase subunit 2 (ND2) and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 6 (ND6) regions) were used to reveal the origins and dispersal of L. delicatula based on a genetic analysis of Chinese populations from eight locations. Results show a low to high level of genetic differentiation among populations and significant genetic differentiation between both two clusters and four clusters. The network and phylogenetic analyses for mitochondrial haplotypes and population structure analyses for microsatellite datasets suggest that there is potential gene flow between geographical populations. The populations from Zhejiang and Fujian provinces may come from the other geographical populations in north China. The populations from Beijing, Henan, and Anhui provinces were regarded as the major source of migrants with a high number of migrants leaving (the effective number of migrants (Nem) = 24.40) and the low number of migrants entering (Nem = 2.05) based on the microsatellite dataset, where significant asymmetrical effective migrants to the other populations were detected by non-overlapping 95% confidence intervals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Population Genetics of Insects)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

11 pages, 1523 KiB  
Article
Population Genetics of Bactrocera minax (Diptera: Tephritidae) in China Based on nad4 Gene Sequence
by Feng Hong, Lizhi Gao, Hong-Liang Han, Pan Wang, Jia Wang, Dong Wei and Yinghong Liu
Insects 2019, 10(8), 236; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects10080236 - 02 Aug 2019
Viewed by 2656
Abstract
Bactrocera minax (Enderlein) (Diptera: Tephritidae) is an important citrus pest in Asia with a non-uniform distribution. In some locations, it had been reported to occur but was either eradicated or disappeared itself. To understand species dispersal of B. minax, we collected and [...] Read more.
Bactrocera minax (Enderlein) (Diptera: Tephritidae) is an important citrus pest in Asia with a non-uniform distribution. In some locations, it had been reported to occur but was either eradicated or disappeared itself. To understand species dispersal of B. minax, we collected and analyzed 359 individuals from 18 localities in China. One mitochondrial DNA gene fragment (nad4) was used to investigate the genetic diversity and population genetic structure of B. minax. The populations were divided by phylogenetic analyses and statistical parsimony haplotype networks into three branches: a Central China (CC) branch, a Western China (WC) branch, and a Southern China (SC) branch. A total of 93 variable sites (15.6% of the 595 bp alignment) and 91 unique haplotypes were observed in the 359 individuals scored from the nad4 gene of the 18 B. minax populations. This indicated that B. minax had a high level of genetic diversity. These populations also showed a discrete distribution in both the scatter plots of genetic versus geographical distance for pairwise population comparisons and the median-joining network of haplotypes, which revealed the strong genetic structure of B. minax. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Population Genetics of Insects)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

21 pages, 810 KiB  
Review
Insights from Population Genomics to Enhance and Sustain Biological Control of Insect Pests
by Arun Sethuraman, Fredric J. Janzen, David W. Weisrock and John J. Obrycki
Insects 2020, 11(8), 462; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects11080462 - 22 Jul 2020
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 4253
Abstract
Biological control—the use of organisms (e.g., nematodes, arthropods, bacteria, fungi, viruses) for the suppression of insect pest species—is a well-established, ecologically sound and economically profitable tactic for crop protection. This approach has served as a sustainable solution for many insect pest problems for [...] Read more.
Biological control—the use of organisms (e.g., nematodes, arthropods, bacteria, fungi, viruses) for the suppression of insect pest species—is a well-established, ecologically sound and economically profitable tactic for crop protection. This approach has served as a sustainable solution for many insect pest problems for over a century in North America. However, all pest management tactics have associated risks. Specifically, the ecological non-target effects of biological control have been examined in numerous systems. In contrast, the need to understand the short- and long-term evolutionary consequences of human-mediated manipulation of biological control organisms for importation, augmentation and conservation biological control has only recently been acknowledged. Particularly, population genomics presents exceptional opportunities to study adaptive evolution and invasiveness of pests and biological control organisms. Population genomics also provides insights into (1) long-term biological consequences of releases, (2) the ecological success and sustainability of this pest management tactic and (3) non-target effects on native species, populations and ecosystems. Recent advances in genomic sequencing technology and model-based statistical methods to analyze population-scale genomic data provide a much needed impetus for biological control programs to benefit by incorporating a consideration of evolutionary consequences. Here, we review current technology and methods in population genomics and their applications to biological control and include basic guidelines for biological control researchers for implementing genomic technology and statistical modeling. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Population Genetics of Insects)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-22
Back to TopTop