Population genetics suggest that multiple invasion processes need to be addressed in the management plan of a plant disease vector

Abstract

The use of a multidisciplinary approach is becoming increasingly important when developing management strategies that mitigate the economic and biological costs associated with invasive pests. A framework of simulated dispersal is combined with life-history information and analyses of population genetic structure to investigate the invasion dynamics of a plant disease vector, the island sugarcane planthopper (Eumetopina flavipes), through an archipelago of significant Australian quarantine concern. Analysis of eight microsatellite loci from 648 individuals suggests that frequent, wind-assisted immigration from multiple sources in Papua New Guinea contributes significantly to repeated colonization of far northern islands. However, intermittent wind-assisted immigration better explains patterns of genetic diversity and structure in the southern islands and on the tip of mainland Australia. Significant population structuring associated with the presence of clusters of highly related individuals results from breeding in-situ following colonization, with little postestablishment movement. Results also suggest that less important secondary movements occur between islands; these appear to be human mediated and restricted by quarantine zones. Control of the planthopper may be very difficult on islands close to Papua New Guinea given the apparent propensity for multiple invasion, but may be achievable further south where local populations appear highly independent and isolated.

Host‐adapted aphid populations differ in their migratory patterns and capacity to colonize crops

“…Large‐scale pest movements or migrations coupled with genetic information can contribute important information about pest biology pertinent to management (Taylor, Shields & Davis ; Mun et al . ; Nagoshi, Meagher & Hay‐Roe ; Anderson & Congdon ) and our study illustrates this potential for an important cosmopolitan pest of legumes. Similar effects could occur in other aphid–crop or herbivore–crop systems in which distance migration is known to occur (Bommarco & Ekbom ; Irwin ; Klueken et al .…”

“…), including aphids (Via ,b; Lushai & Loxdale ), and genetic structure of pest populations has been used to infer geographic patterns of migration (Taylor, Shields & Davis ; Mun et al . ; Anderson & Congdon ), rarely have the two been coupled with a view to improving pest management (but see Lushai & Loxdale ; Nagoshi, Meagher & Hay‐Roe ). Here, we address this using the pea aphid, an important model for host race formation (Via ,b; Ferrari et al .…”

Genome-wide SNPs of vegetable leafminer, Liriomyza sativae: insights into the recent Australian invasion

“…Any further incursions into the Torres Strait may benefit this pest such as through the introduction of pesticide resistance genes. The geographical location of the Torres Strait is particularly suitable for multiple incursions as detected in species like the Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus (Beebe et al, 2013;Schmidt et al, 2021), island sugarcane planthopper Eumetopina flavipes (Anderson et al, 2013) as well as Culicoides biting midges (Eagles et al, 2014). Pests can into the Torres Strait by natural processes (wind currents) as well as human activities (vessel movements, fishing activity) (Kompas et al, 2015).…”

DNA-based identifications reveal multiple introductions of the vegetable leafminer Liriomyza sativae (Diptera: Agromyzidae) into the Torres Strait Islands and Papua New Guinea

“…One explanation for this may be that unlike some insect species that are likely to disperse primarily through natural means, such as wind, within the surveyed region (e.g. Anderson et al , 2010; Anderson & Congdon, 2013), introductions of Liriomyza species into new areas are most likely associated with human trade (Spencer, 1989; Scheffer & Lewis, 2005). Therefore the species of Liriomyza that invades an area appears highly dependent on the movement of host plant material between areas by humans.…”

“…Australia's proximity to countries with different plant health statuses represents a tangible biosecurity risk to Australia's primary industries (Maynard et al ., 2004; Anderson et al , 2010; Anderson & Congdon, 2013). Recognition of this risk in Northern Australia led to the establishment of the Northern Australia Quarantine Strategy (NAQS).…”