Abstract
The codling moth, Cydia pomonella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), is a major pest introduced to almost all main pome fruit production regions worldwide. This species was detected in Chile during the last decade of the 19th century, and now has a widespread distribution in all major apple-growing regions. We performed an analysis of the genetic variability and structure of codling moth populations in Chile using five microsatellite markers. We sampled the codling moth along the main distribution area in Chile on all its main host-plant species. Low genetic differentiation among the population samples (FST = 0.03) was found, with only slight isolation by distance. According to a Bayesian assignment test (TESS), a group of localities in the coastal mountain range from the Bío-Bío Region formed a distinct genetic cluster. Our results also suggest that the codling moth that invaded the southernmost locality (Aysén Region) had two origins from central Chile and another unknown source. We did not find significant genetic differentiation between codling moth samples from different host-plant species. Our results indicate high genetic exchange among codling moth populations between the different Chilean regions and host plants.
Highlights
The codling moth, Cydia pomonella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), is an invasive species with a widespread distribution in temperate areas with pome fruit cultivation worldwide [1,2]
Study of the codling moth population genetic structure has received increasing attention in the last few decades [4], because this knowledge can be useful for improving the design of eradications or integrated area-wide pest management strategies using the sterile insect technique (SIT), host plant
The main objective of this research was to characterize the population-level genetic structures of codling moth populations in Chile, all along their distribution area, which covers a latitudinal range of nearly 1400 km
Summary
The codling moth, Cydia pomonella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), is an invasive species with a widespread distribution in temperate areas with pome fruit cultivation worldwide [1,2]. Study of the codling moth population genetic structure has received increasing attention in the last few decades [4], because this knowledge can be useful for improving the design of eradications or integrated area-wide pest management strategies using the sterile insect technique (SIT), host plant. The spatial patterns of genetic diversity among codling moth populations may reflect its relatively recent global distribution [11], which was most likely the result of founder effects following genetic bottlenecks caused mainly by human-mediated dispersal through pome fruit cultivation [4,13]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
