Screening mitochondrial DNA sequence variation as an alternative method for tracking established and outbreak populations of Queensland fruit fly at the species southern range limit

Abstract

Understanding the relationship between incursions of insect pests and established populations is critical to implementing effective control. Studies of genetic variation can provide powerful tools to examine potential invasion pathways and longevity of individual pest outbreaks. The major fruit fly pest in eastern Australia, Queensland fruit fly Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt), has been subject to significant long‐term quarantine and population reduction control measures in the major horticulture production areas of southeastern Australia, at the species southern range limit. Previous studies have employed microsatellite markers to estimate gene flow between populations across this region. In this study, we used an independent genetic marker, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequences, to screen genetic variation in established and adjacent outbreak populations in southeastern Australia. During the study period, favorable environmental conditions resulted in multiple outbreaks, which appeared genetically distinctive and relatively geographically localized, implying minimal dispersal between simultaneous outbreaks. Populations in established regions were found to occur over much larger areas. Screening mtDNA (female) lineages proved to be an effective alternative genetic tool to assist in understanding fruit fly population dynamics and provide another possible molecular method that could now be employed for better understanding of the ecology and evolution of this and other pest species.

Genetic diversity and population structure of Aedes aegypti after massive vector control for dengue fever prevention in Yunnan border areas

“…The mtDNA is more sensitive to genetic drift and has greater genetic differentiation. It is particularly useful for detecting genetic differences and reconstructing the transmission history of invading mosquitoes 20 , 21 . Previously, nuclear microsatellite markers and mtDNA sequences were used to investigate the genetic diversity and population structure of Ae.…”

Tracking outbreak populations of the pepper weevil Anthonomus eugenii (Coleoptera; Curculionidae) using complete mitochondrial genomes

“…The mitochondrial genome is frequently used in phylogenetic [20, 21] and population-level studies [22, 23] as it typically represents a single maternally inherited molecule with low levels of recombination while being present in high copy numbers [24, 25]. With the introduction of next generation sequencing technology, the number of annotated complete mitogenomes has increased tremendously [26].…”

Ecological Drivers and Sex-Based Variation in Body Size and Shape in the Queensland Fruit Fly, Bactrocera tryoni (Diptera: Tephritidae)

“… Locations of Queensland fruit fly (Q-fly) specimens examined for morphological variation, mapped over the minimum temperature of the coldest month (Bio06 [ 1 ]). …”

“…The Queensland fruit fly (Q-fly), Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt), is a major horticultural pest species in Australia. The Q-fly has a wide range of host species, including hundreds of native and introduced fruits and vegetables [ 1 , 2 ]. Adult Q-flies cause considerable economic losses in Australian horticultural industries as they lay eggs in the fruit of the host species on which the larva feed.…”