Abstract
Diatraea saccharalis is the principal pest of sugarcane in Brazil and is found throughout the sugarcane crop. Information about its population genetics is scarce, but population genetic analysis is of particular importance as a basis for a successful pest control program. Pest control requires a constant evaluation of genetic variability so that appropriate strategies can be employed. In this study, the structure of D. saccharalis populations in sugarcane crops was analyzed with PCR-RAPD (Polymerase Chain Reaction-Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA) markers. Samples were collected from four sugarcane fields in ParanaState and one in Sao PauloState. Twelve PCR-RAPD primers were used. The analysis produced 216 fragments, with a 99.54% polymorphism rate. The Shannon index averaged 0.3797 (± 0.1729), and the average value of GST for the five populations was 0.0909. These results showed that the populations are differentiated. An analysis of molecular variance showed that 92% of the polymorphism occurs within populations. The high polymorphism rate within these populations shows that these insects have the potential to develop resistance to insecticides. The control and management of D. saccharalis should be conducted cautiously and integrated using chemical and biological control.
Highlights
Diatraea saccharalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) causes considerable losses in sugar and ethanol production in Brazil
Population genetic studies of the sugarcane borer D. saccharalis have not previously been conducted.This study was performed to detect the occurrence of genetic polymorphisms and to analyze the relationships within and among populations with PCR-RAPD markers in D. saccharalis in sugarcane fields located in the states of Paraná and São Paulo, Brazil
Tests were performed to identify the primers with the highest number of bands to verify the reliability of the RAPD results
Summary
Diatraea saccharalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) causes considerable losses in sugar and ethanol production in Brazil. Genetic diversity and gene flow within and among populations of pest species play an important role in resistance or susceptibility to insecticides This information is necessary to define the management and control of these insects. Population genetic studies of the sugarcane borer D. saccharalis have not previously been conducted.This study was performed to detect the occurrence of genetic polymorphisms and to analyze the relationships within and among populations with PCR-RAPD markers in D. saccharalis in sugarcane fields located in the states of Paraná and São Paulo, Brazil. These results will contribute to better management practices and pest control in sugarcane crops
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