Molecular and morphological identification of Anthocoris spp. (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) predators of three economically important psyllid species in Razavi Khorasan province, Northeastern Iran

Abstract

Although correct and precise identification of natural enemies is the bedrock of biological control, traditional identification methods for species may often rely on mundane and time-consuming dissection and rearing methods. The Anthocoris species complex associated with common psyllid species (Cacopsylla pyricola, Agonoscena pistaciae and Psyllopsis repens) in northeastern Iran was investigated. Three species including A. minki (two subspecies: A. minki minki and A. minki pistaciae), A. guentheri and A. nemoralis were identified morphologically (based on male genitalia and other structures used in taxonomic treatments of this genus) and by COI sequence analyses. Species-specific PCR primers were designed and utilized in a multiplex PCR assay for simultaneous identification of species. The primers amplified uniquely sized, species-specific PCR products for each species allowing identification of all species in a single reaction. This multiplex PCR experiments resulted in accurate and swift identification and discrimination of Anthocoris specimens found on main psyllid species in northeastern Iran.