Host range and genetic strains of leafminer flies (Diptera: Agromyzidae) in eastern Brazil reveal a new divergent clade ofLiriomyza sativae

Abstract

Leafminer flies are phytophagous and cosmopolitan pests. Leafminer fly outbreaks and damage to cultivated plants have steadily increased in several regions in the world. In the present study, we report host range, geographical distribution, Wolbachia infection and mitochondrial strains of leafminer fly species from eastern Brazil. Four leaf miner fly species were identified using cytochrome c oxidase subunit I DNA barcoding. Liriomyza sativae is the main pest as a result of its high polyphagy and wide distribution. Liriomyza brassicae, Liriomyza huidobrensis and Calycomyza malvae are important in Brassicaceae, Curcubitaceae and Malvaceae crops, respectively. There is no relationship among host range, geographical distribution and mitochondrial strains of leafminer fly species. We did not find Wolbachia infection in any of the specimens collected. Phylogeographical analyses suggests that there are four strains of L. sativae in the world, one of which is endemic from Brazil. The lack of shared haplotypes between Brazilian specimens and those from other world regions indicates the absence of recent gene flow of leafminer flies from Brazil with specimens from Americas and Old world. The exception is L. brassicae, which exhibits one haplotype shared among Brazil, Philippines and Sri Lanka. The host range identification and geographical isolation of leafminer fly species from Brazil comprise useful information for quarantine and pest management purposes.