Identification of Key Genes for the Precise Classification between Solenopsis invicta and S. geminata Facilitating the Quarantine Process.

Kil-Hyun Kim,Jong-Ho Lee,Tae-Hwan Jun,Ji-Su Kim,Hyun-Ji Cho,Yang Jae Kang

doi:10.3390/genes10100812

Abstract

One of the 100 worst invasive exotic species, Solenopsis invicta (red imported fire ant), has the possibility to induce an allergic reaction that may eventually cause death from its aggressive stinging. In 2017, S. invicta was found at a container yard in Gamman Port, Busan, South Korea for the first time. It may result in an infestation of fire ants in the Korean environment. After this incident, sensitive quarantine procedures are required to detect possible contamination of fire ants in imported containers. However, currently, fire ant identification relies on phenotypic characteristics. This requires highly trained experts for identification and there are not enough to cover all imported containers. Here, we develop a key molecular marker to distinguish S. invicta from others using the whole genome sequence (WGS) of collected S. invicta from Gamman Port and NCBI-deposited WGS data of S.invicta and S. geminata. The consolidated genotypes of Solenopsis genus successfully indicate the distinguishable gene. The gel-based experimental validation confirmed expected classification and the developed cleaved amplified polymorphic sequences (CAPS) marker also gave a consistent result. Using the CAPS marker derived from our consolidated genotypes, the samples collected from containers in several ports can be easily tested by PCR in a few hours. The quick and easy test would increase not only the labor efficiency but also the environmental safety from fire ants.

Highlights

The red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren, are one of the worst invasive alien species in the world based on a report by the Invasive Species Specialist Group [1]
S. invicta mandibles terminate in four teeth, while S. geminata mandibles terminate in three teeth
Using the cleaved amplified polymorphic sequences (CAPS) marker derived from our consolidated genotype matrix, the samples collected from the containers in several piers can be tested by PCR in a few hours

Summary

Introduction

The red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren, are one of the worst invasive alien species in the world based on a report by the Invasive Species Specialist Group [1]. Invasive species have been a major threat to agricultural environments, natural ecosystems, and human life. They can replace indigenous species, reduce biodiversity, and inflict pain on humans [2]. Molecular markers were developed to reveal the global invasion history of S. invicta. Using the three classes of genetic markers which are allozymes, microsatellites, and mitochondrial DNA sequences, it is shown that. S. invicta in the southern USA originated from northern Argentina [3].

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