Genetic variability in Italian populations of Drosophila suzukii

Abstract

Background Drosophila suzukii is a highly destructive pest species, causing substantial economic losses in soft fruit production. To better understand migration patterns, gene flow and adaptation in invaded regions, we studied the genetic structure of D. suzukii collected across Italy, where it was first observed in 2008. In particular, we analysed 15 previously characterised Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) markers to estimate genetic differentiation across the genome of 278 flies collected from nine populations.ResultsThe nine populations showed high allelic diversity, mainly due to very high heterozygosity. The high Polymorphism Information Content (PIC) index values (ranging from 0.68 to 0.84) indicated good discrimination power for the markers. Negative fixation index (F IS) values in seven of the populations indicated a low level of inbreeding, as suggested by the high number of alleles. STRUCTURE, Principal Coordinate and Neighbour Joining analysis also revealed that the Sicilian population was fairly divergent compared to other Italian populations. Moreover, migration was present across all populations, with the exception of the Sicilian one, confirming its isolation relative to the mainland.ConclusionsThis is the first study characterising the genetic structure of the invasive species D. suzukii in Italy. Our analysis showed extensive genetic homogeneity among D. suzukii collected in Italy. The relatively isolated Sicilian population suggests a largely human-mediated migration pattern, while the warm climate in this region allows the production of soft fruit, and the associated D. suzukii reproductive season occurring much earlier than on the rest of the peninsula.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1186/s12863-017-0558-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Transcriptional Control of Quality Differences in the Lipid-Based Cuticle Barrier in Drosophila suzukii and Drosophila melanogaster

“…Indeed, barrier efficiency varies among geographically separated D. melanogaster populations (Dong et al, 2019). D. suzukii populations also display genomic variations (Tait et al, 2017) that may have an impact on their desiccation tolerance. However, the difference of desiccation sensitivity between these two species is similar to that reported in a previous study indicating that D. melanogaster is more resistant under low air humidity than D. suzukii (Terhzaz et al, 2018).…”

Tracking the origin and dispersal of the Asian chestnut gall waspDryocosmus kuriphilusYasumatsu (Hymenoptera, Cynipidae) in Europe with molecular markers

“…The lack of geographic clustering, pointed out by the spread of the two nuclear lineages in similar proportions over all the analyzed countries, could be attributed to the free trade of goods across Europe (Hulme, 2009; Manni et al ., 2017; Tait et al ., 2017). D. kuriphilus was first recorded in Italy in infested plants coming from China (Quacchia et al ., 2008).…”

Association between olfactory sensitivity and behavioral responses of Drosophila suzukii to naturally occurring volatile compounds

“…Within the “melanogaster group,” the spotted‐wing Drosophila suzukii Matsumura (Diptera: Drosophilidae) is a polyphagous invasive pest insect, with a broad climate range tolerance; in fact, it originated from South East Asia and quickly spread to North and South America, Europe, and the Mediterranean basin (Asplen et al, 2015; Tait et al, 2017). The high invasive potential of this species is due to: (a) a great ability to adapt to cold climates and seasons (Tait et al, 2018); (b) multiple generations with rapid population growth during the summer months (Renkema, Buitenhuis, & Hallett, 2017); (c) adult female flies exploit rotten oviposition substrates and lay eggs on unripe and undamaged fruits by means of a serrated ovipositor (Rota‐Stabelli, Blaxter, & Anfora, 2013; Walsh et al, 2011); (d) the ability to exploit rotten oviposition substrates in absence of ripening fruits (Bal, Adams, & Grieshop, 2017; Clymans et al, 2019).…”