Molecular ecology of insect pests of agricultural importance: the case of aphids

Abstract

Abstract. 1. Ongoing environmental change is predicted to have a strong impact on biodiversity. Studies have already noted a range shift in many species as they track their favoured environments. A key challenge entomologists are facing is to understand how insect pest species are responding to this rapid environmental change, and molecular ecology has a central role to play in this task. In the present paper, I argue that molecular ecology has much relevance in relation to the monitoring of insect pests of agricultural importance, with a focus on aphids.2. First, I examine how the combination of phylogeography and species distribution modelling can be a powerful approach to understanding species responses to climate change and to forecasting future distributions. Despite such a joint approach being increasingly used to understand these questions (e.g. in conservation biology), there are still very few studies that concern pest species of agricultural importance.3. I then discuss how the use of samples from natural history collections represent an opportunity to directly observe the evolution of species, enhancing our knowledge of the evolutionary processes occurring at ecological time scales. I introduce the Rothamsted Insect Survey (RIS) sample archive and the central role it plays in the studies of pest species of agricultural importance.4. Lastly, I assess how the advances in DNA sequencing technologies have allowed us to investigate genetic variation at the genome-wide level. Thus, they provide us with the opportunity of studying a variety of questions about the dynamics of pest insects that were previously impossible as well as unmanageable.

Contrasting population structure and demographic history of cereal aphids in different environmental and agricultural landscapes

“…Individuals of S. avenae were collected using the network of 12.2 m high suction traps that is run by Rothamsted Insect Survey (RIS). The RIS suction traps are continuously collecting flying insects, and during the aphid season, aphid samples are identified daily to species level (Morales‐Hojas, 2017; Storkey et al., 2016); of the identified aphids, 10 individuals of S. avenae collected during June–July 2018 with suction traps located in 12 sites across England (Starcross, Wye, Writtle, Broom's Barn, Kirton, Rothamsted, Silwood Park, Wellesbourne, Hereford, Preston, York, and Newcastle; see Table 1 and Figure 1) were used for this study. Individuals of S. miscanthi were collected in 10 sites (Kunming, Mianyang, Wuhan, Qingdao, Tai'an, Pingliang, Yinchuan, Langfang, Taigu, and Suzhou) across the cereal growing areas of China between February and June of 2017 (Table 1, Figure 1).…”

A practical guide to DNA metabarcoding for entomological ecologists

“…DNA metabarcoding has great potential for monitoring insect pests in agriculture (Evans et al ., ; Morales‐Hojas, ) and will be greatly aided by expanding reference sequence databases for conclusive detection of pest species (Piper et al ., ). In addition, DNA metabarcoding has been tested as an effective alternative for vector and arbovirus surveillance, which is an issue that concerns public health (Schneider et al ., ).…”

Population genetic structure of Zeugodacus tau species complex in Thailand

“…The population genetics of insect pests is currently based on molecular marker techniques (MacDonald & Loxdale, ; Behura, ; Morales‐Hojas, ) and provides valuable information for management strategies (Porretta et al ., ; Karsten et al ., ). With this information, the genetic data and the distribution pattern of pest insects can be accessed and used in the development of suitable control methods (Rollins et al ., ).…”