The draft genome of the Asian corn borer yields insights into ecological adaptation of a devastating maize pest

Abstract

The Asian corn borer (ACB) is the most devastating pest on maize in the western Pacific region of Asia. Despite broad interests in insecticide resistance, seasonal adaptation, and larval color mimicry regarding the ACB system, lacking of reference genomic information and a powerful gene editing approach have hindered the in-depth studies of these aspects. Here we present a 455.7 Mb draft genome of ACB with 98.4% completeness. Comparative genomics analysis showed an evident expansion in gene families of gustatory receptors (105), which is related to polyphagous characteristics. Based on the comparative transcriptome analysis of resistant and susceptible ACB against Bt Cry1Ab toxin, we identified 26 genes related to Cry1Ab resistance. Additionally, transcriptomics of insects exposed to conditions of low temperature and diapause (LT) vs. room temperature and diapause (RT) provided insights into the genetic mechanisms of cold adaptation. We also successfully developed an efficient CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing system and applied it to explore the role of color pattern genes in the ecological adaptation of ACB. Taken together, our study provides a fully annotated high-quality reference genome and efficient gene editing system to realize the potential of ACB as a study system to address important biological questions such as insecticide resistance, seasonal adaptation, and coloration. These valuable genomic resources will also benefit the development of novel strategies for maize pest management.