The effects of intraspecific hybridization on the host specificity of a weed biocontrol agent

Szűcs, Marianna; Clark, Eliza; Schaffner, Urs; Littlefield, J. L.; Hoover, Clare; Hufbauer, Ruth A.

doi:10.1016/j.biocontrol.2021.104585

Cited by 7 publications

(9 citation statements)

References 58 publications

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“…However, when the parental strains that are crossed have similar host ranges hybridization does not necessarily alter the preference or performance of hybrids on suboptimal non-target species (Szűcs et al, 2021). Little is known of how intraspecific hybridization may influence host and climate adaptations in herbivorous insects used as biocontrol agents and without a better understanding of these basic processes, we cannot integrate evolutionary principles into biocontrol to improve the outcomes of programs.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…When the strains or species that are crossed have different host preferences the hybrids may exhibit specificity towards either of the parental host species and preference can change as hybridization progresses in later generations (Bitume et al., 2017; Hoffmann et al., 2002; Mathenge et al., 2010). However, when the parental strains that are crossed have similar host ranges hybridization does not necessarily alter the preference or performance of hybrids on suboptimal non‐target species (Szűcs et al., 2021). Little is known of how intraspecific hybridization may influence host and climate adaptations in herbivorous insects used as biocontrol agents and without a better understanding of these basic processes, we cannot integrate evolutionary principles into biocontrol to improve the outcomes of programs.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Could hybridization increase the establishment success of the biological control agent Aphalara itadori (Hemiptera: Aphalaridae) against invasive knotweeds?

Yoshimoto,

Szűcs

2024

Ecology and Evolution

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Intraspecific hybridization between distinct populations could increase the fitness and adaptive potential of biological control agents that often have low genetic diversity and can be inbred due to long‐term laboratory rearing often at small population sizes. Hybridization can also alter host preference and performance when the parental insect populations are adapted to different host plants. We investigated the effects of hybridization between two populations (Northern and Southern) of the psyllid, Aphalara itadori, that have different fitness on three invasive knotweed species (Japanese, giant, and Bohemian). Fecundity, host choice, and developmental success of second‐generation reciprocal hybrids and the parental psyllid populations were compared on the three knotweed species in multiple‐choice tests. Hybridization did not increase fecundity. All three knotweed species were accepted for oviposition without preference by the Southern and the two hybrid psyllid populations. The northern psyllid population laid the most eggs on Bohemian knotweeds but those were maladaptive choices since almost all eggs failed to develop. The developmental success of the parental psyllid populations was highest on the knotweed species they were originally collected from, on Japanese knotweed of the Southern psyllids and giant knotweed of the Northern psyllids. Hybrids had intermediate or higher survival on given knotweed hosts compared to their parents. These results can inform release tactics of A. itadori in different regions especially where there appear to be climatic and/or host mismatches such as in Michigan. In southern Michigan, based on climate the Northern psyllid population should be released. However, the most common knotweed species in the region are Bohemian and Japanese knotweeds that do not support the development of the Northern psyllids. In this case, hybrids that may carry cold adaptations of the Northern psyllids but have better developmental success on the prevailing knotweed species may be considered for release to increase establishment success.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Could hybridization increase the establishment success of the biological control agent Aphalara itadori (Hemiptera: Aphalaridae) against invasive knotweeds?

Yoshimoto,

Szűcs

2024

Ecology and Evolution

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Admixture among different populations, and, at an extreme, hybridization between different species, may present the genetic novelty and diversity necessary to overcome the bottleneck imposed by introduction and adapt, but at the risk of yielding undesirable traits or decreases in fitness (Fauvergue et al, 2012; Kolbe et al, 2004; Lommen et al, 2017; Rius & Darling, 2014). The outcomes of multiple agent releases have been understudied, while the consequences of hybridization and admixture among divergent biocontrol agents are even less well understood (but see Szűcs et al, 2011; Szűcs et al, 2012; Szűcs et al, 2012; Szűcs et al, 2021). Biocontrol efforts could be enhanced if hybridization resulted in increased genetic diversity, providing the raw material for the regional evolution of more efficacious ecotypes, or increased fitness in populations with higher genetic diversity (Bean et al, 2013; Bitume et al, 2017; Szűcs et al, 2021; Szűcs, Eigenbrode, et al, 2012; Szűcs, Schaffner, et al, 2012; Tracy & Robbins, 2009).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The outcomes of multiple agent releases have been understudied, while the consequences of hybridization and admixture among divergent biocontrol agents are even less well understood (but see Szűcs et al, 2011; Szűcs et al, 2012; Szűcs et al, 2012; Szűcs et al, 2021). Biocontrol efforts could be enhanced if hybridization resulted in increased genetic diversity, providing the raw material for the regional evolution of more efficacious ecotypes, or increased fitness in populations with higher genetic diversity (Bean et al, 2013; Bitume et al, 2017; Szűcs et al, 2021; Szűcs, Eigenbrode, et al, 2012; Szűcs, Schaffner, et al, 2012; Tracy & Robbins, 2009). If hybridization resulted in forms with less host specificity than seen in parental forms, for example, biocontrol safety could be compromised, though there have been no documented cases of evolution in fundamental host range (the range of host species on which the agent can complete development; Van Klinken & Edwards, 2002).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Hybridization and range expansion in tamarisk beetles (Diorhabda spp.) introduced to North America for classical biological control

Stahlke

Bitume

Özsoy

et al. 2021

Evolutionary Applications

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With the global rise of human‐mediated translocations and invasions, it is critical to understand the genomic consequences of hybridization and mechanisms of range expansion. Conventional wisdom is that high genetic drift and loss of genetic diversity due to repeated founder effects will constrain introduced species. However, reduced genetic variation can be countered by behavioral aspects and admixture with other distinct populations. As planned invasions, classical biological control (biocontrol) agents present important opportunities to understand the mechanisms of establishment and spread in a novel environment. The ability of biocontrol agents to spread and adapt, and their effects on local ecosystems, depends on genomic variation and the consequences of admixture in novel environments. Here, we use a biocontrol system to examine the genome‐wide outcomes of introduction, spread, and hybridization in four cryptic species of a biocontrol agent, the tamarisk beetle (Diorhabda carinata, D. carinulata, D. elongata, and D. sublineata), introduced from six localities across Eurasia to control the invasive shrub tamarisk (Tamarix spp.) in western North America. We assembled a de novo draft reference genome and applied RADseq to over 500 individuals across laboratory cultures, the native ranges, and the introduced range. Despite evidence of a substantial genetic bottleneck among D. carinulata in N. America, populations continue to establish and spread, possibly due to aggregation behavior. We found that D. carinata, D. elongata, and D. sublineata hybridize in the field to varying extents, with D. carinata × D. sublineata hybrids being the most abundant. Genetic diversity was greater at sites with hybrids, highlighting potential for increased ability to adapt and expand. Our results demonstrate the complex patterns of genomic variation that can result from introduction of multiple ecotypes or species for biocontrol, and the importance of understanding them to predict and manage the effects of biocontrol agents in novel ecosystems.

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Fitness and host use remain stable in a biological control agent after many years of hybridization

Clark

Stahlke²,

Gaskin³

et al. 2023

Biological Control

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The effects of intraspecific hybridization on the host specificity of a weed biocontrol agent

Cited by 7 publications

References 58 publications

Could hybridization increase the establishment success of the biological control agent Aphalara itadori (Hemiptera: Aphalaridae) against invasive knotweeds?

Could hybridization increase the establishment success of the biological control agent Aphalara itadori (Hemiptera: Aphalaridae) against invasive knotweeds?

Hybridization and range expansion in tamarisk beetles (Diorhabda spp.) introduced to North America for classical biological control

Fitness and host use remain stable in a biological control agent after many years of hybridization

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