The genome sequence of a spider mite, Tetranychus truncatus, provides insights into interspecific host range variation and the genetic basis of adaptation to a low‐quality host plant

Abstract

The phytophagous mite Tetranychus truncatus is a serious pest in East Asia but has a relatively narrower host range than the pest mite Tetranychus urticae, which can feed on over 1200 plant species. Here, we generated a high‐quality chromosomal level genome of T. truncatus and compared it with that of T. urticae, with an emphasis on the genes related to detoxification and chemoreception, to explore the genomic basis underlying the evolution of host range. We also conducted population genetics analyses (in 86 females from 10 populations) and host transfer experiments (in 4 populations) to investigate transcription changes following transfer to a low‐quality host (Solanum melongena, eggplant), and we established possible connections between fitness on eggplant and genes related to detoxification and chemoreception. We found that T. truncatus has fewer genes related to detoxification, transport, and chemoreception than T. urticae, with a particularly strong reduction in gustatory receptor (GR) genes. We also found widespread transcriptional variation among T. truncatus populations, which varied in fitness on eggplant. We characterized selection on detoxification‐related genes through ω values and found a negative correlation between expression levels and ω values. Based on the transcription results, as well as the fitness and genetic differences among populations, we identified genes potentially involved in adaptation to eggplant in T. truncatus. Our work provides a genomic resource for this pest mite and new insights into mechanisms underlying the adaptation of herbivorous mites to host plants.

High-quality genome of the zoophytophagous stink bug,Nesidiocoris tenuis, informs their food habit adaptation

“…The draft genome presented here is of high quality compared not only with those of mirid species with high heterozygosity but also with those of other insects with low heterozygosity ( ? Stahlke et al, 2023; Chen et al, 2023).…”

“…The draft genome presented here is of high quality compared not only with those of mirid species with high heterozygosity but also with those of other insects with low heterozygosity (? Stahlke et al, 2023;Chen et al, 2023). Subsequently, we obtained a total of 101.5 Gb of raw data from the Hi-C library of the genome and 99.6 Gb of clean reads (without the adapter region sequence).…”

The miniature genome of broad mite, Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Tarsonemidae: Acari)

“…To date, genomes of 39 mites and 17 ticks have been sequenced (NCBI, accessed 27 November 2023) including seven species of phytophagous mites namely, T. urticae 16 , T. cinnabarinus , T. truncatus 17 (Spider mites: Tetranychoidea: Tetranychidae), Panonychus citri 18 (Citrus red mite: Tetranychoidea: Tetranychidae), Aculops lycopersici 19 (Tomato russet mite: Eriophyoidea: Eriophyidae), Fragariocoptes setiger 20 (Gall mite: Eriophyoidea: Eriophyidae) and Halotydeus destructor 21 (Redlegged earth mite: Eupodoidea: Penthaleidae).The majority of the mite genomes are smaller as compared to ticks. The de novo draft genome of P. latus brought off in this study is the third smallest arthropod genome sequenced so far and the first deciphered genome under the Acari family Tarsonemidae.…”

Differential Antioxidant Enzyme Gene Expression and Functional Analysis of Pyridaben-Susceptible and -Resistant Strains of Tetranychus truncatus (Acari: Tetranychidae) under High Temperature Stress

“…Among spider mites, it is the most economically important species and became the dominant pest in China in 2009. It has a complex diet; many crops have suffered from it, including soybean, corn, and other food crops and vegetables; it even harms jujube, apple, and other fruit trees [ 16 , 17 ]. It is particularly difficult to control mites with conventional acaricides, because of their high fecundity, short life cycle, small size, and strong adaptability to develop resistance quickly, especially in warmer conditions [ 18 ].…”