Population genetics of an alien whitefly in China: implications for its dispersal and invasion success

Abstract

Invasive genotypes may be associated with their ability to access the invasion habitat. The whitefly, Bemisia tabaci Q, has been an important agricultural pest in China since 2008. In order to identify the invasion routes and to provide insight into its invasion success in China, we analyzed the composition, distribution, and genetic diversity of mitochondrial haplotypes of B. tabaci Q. Samples were obtained from 23 provincial level administrative units in 2011, and analyses conducted based on the mtCOI. Our results revealed five haplotypes (abbreviated as Q1H1-Q1H5) were present in the Q1 subclade based on 773-bp mtCOI fragment analysis. The diversity of haplotypes indicated the B. tabaci Q populations were derived from multiple invasion sources originating from the western Mediterranean region. Among the haplotypes, Q1H1 was dominant, followed by Q1H2. The whitefly populations were generally characterized by low levels of genetic diversity based on the 773-bp mtCOI fragment. Similar results were obtained when the 657-bp fragment was analyzed using the procedure in a previous report. Potential mechanisms contributing to the dominance of the Q1H1 in China are also discussed. These results will be helpful in revealing the mechanisms that enabled the successful invasion of B. tabaci Q into the country.

Competitive Displacement between Bemisia tabaci MEAM1 and MED and Evidence for Multiple Invasions of MED

“…In particular, only one mitochondrial haplotype could be detected from MEAM1 individuals, whereas four haplotypes of MED were defined; therefore, the overall MED level of haplotype diversity and of nucleotide diversity were much higher than MEAM1. Previous studies had investigated the genetic diversity of MED populations in China [25,[48][49][50] and showed that due to bottlenecks or founder effects, the haplotype diversity of MED was lower compared to its presumed Mediterranean origin. However, even though MEAM1 invaded Jiangsu much earlier, MED expressed higher genetic variation than that of MEAM1.…”

“…In our study, four haplotypes of MED individuals mainly clustered into the MED(Q)1 clade, which was mainly from the western Mediterranean such as France and Morocco. Similarly, MED individuals in Shandong Province were also grouped into subclade MED(Q)1 [25,50]. Therefore, MED populations in these two regions may have been introduced from the same invasion source.…”

“…However, few studies have addressed the mechanisms from a genetic perspective. Li et al [25] identified mitochondrial haplotypes of MED and proposed that the genotypes may be associated with MED's ability to access the invasion habitat. In addition, genetic traits, such as genetic diversity and genetic structure, could also be involved in successful invasions or colonization of alien organisms [26,27].…”

Sequence Analysis of mtDNA Gene and Genetic Differentiation in Geographic Populations of Empoasca onukii in Southestwest (Guizhou Province) of China

“…In 2014, the amount of tea exported was 301,000 tons, and the export value was 1.27 billion US dollars. Thus, the production and trade of tea directly affects China's agriculture development and social needs, and a healthy development of the tea industry is directly related to the development of tea producing areas and the income of their local residents (Li, 2008).…”

The emerging cross-disciplinary studies of landscape ecology and biodiversity in China

“…In China, the study of landscape fragmentation, rare species population dynamics, and biological invasion has increased significantly over recent years, and has mainly focused on the flagship endemic species, such as the giant panda, golden monkey, Tibetan antelope, and Siberian tiger, or invasive species, such as Eupatorium adenophorum, pine wood nematode, whitefly, etc. However, previous studies have been rare in exploring the effects of landscape patterns and processes on population genetics (except Li et al, 2017).…”