Phylogeographic Characterization of Genetic Variation in the Biological Control Agent Milfoil Weevil (Euhrychiopsis lecontei) throughout North America

Roketenetz, Lara; Donnelly, Shanon; Duff, R. Joel; Weeks, Stephen C.

doi:10.1674/0003-0031-178.2.260

Cited by 1 publication

(1 citation statement)

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“…Some insects develop a preference for a given host based on its suitability for development, survival, and reproduction (Hawthorne & Via, 2001 ; Singer et al, 1988 ), and others will have different mate choice behaviors depending on the affiliation to a host plant (Feder et al, 1994 ; Nosil et al, 2007 ). For example, the milfoil weevil ( Euhrychiopsis lecontei Dietz) showed a genetic differentiation between individuals that feed on a native host plant, the northern water milfoil ( Myriophyllum sibericum Komarov), and individuals that prefer a congeneric introduced species, the Eurasian water milfoil ( Myriophyllum spicatum L.) (Roketenetz et al, 2017 ). In addition, the apple maggot fly ( Rhagoletis pomonella Walsh) was previously feeding on the ancestral downy hawthorn ( Crataegus mollis Torrey and Gray) but developed host shift for the domesticated apple tree ( Malus pumila Miller), leading to sympatric host race formation (Bush, 1969 ; Feder et al, 2003 ).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Population genetic structure of the carrot weevil (Listronotus oregonensis) in North America

Bessette

Ste‐Croix

Brodeur

et al. 2022

Evolutionary Applications

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Population genetic studies of insect pests enhance our ability to anticipate problems in agroecosystems, such as pest outbreaks, insecticide resistance, or expansions of the host range. This study focuses on geographic distance and host plant selection as potential determinants of genetic differentiation of the carrot weevil Listronotus oregonensis, a major pest of several apiaceous crops in North America. To undertake genetic studies on this species, we assembled the first complete genome sequence for L. oregonensis. Then, we used both haplotype discrimination with mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and a genotyping‐by‐sequencing (GBS) approach to characterize the genetic population structure. A total of 220 individuals were sampled from 17 localities in the provinces of Québec, Ontario, Nova Scotia (Canada), and the state of Ohio (USA). Our results showed significant genetic differences between distant populations across North America, indicating that geographic distance represents an important factor of differentiation for the carrot weevil. Furthermore, the GBS analysis revealed more different clusters than COI analysis between Québec and Nova Scotia populations, suggesting a recent differentiation in the latter province. In contrast, we found no clear evidence of population structure associated with the four cultivated apiaceous plants tested (carrot, parsley, celery, and celeriac) using populations from Québec. This first characterization of the genetic structure of the carrot weevil contributes to a better understanding of the gene flow of the species and helps to adapt local pest management measures to better control this agricultural pest.

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