The potential for a CRISPR gene drive to eradicate or suppress globally invasive social wasps

Philip J Lester,John M Kean,Joseph Guhlin,James W Baty,Mariana Bulgarella,Peter K Dearden

doi:10.1038/s41598-020-69259-6

Philip J Lester, John M Kean + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-69259-6

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Abstract

CRISPR gene drives have potential for widespread and cost-efficient pest control, but are highly controversial. We examined a potential gene drive targeting spermatogenesis to control the invasive common wasp (Vespula vulgaris) in New Zealand. Vespula wasps are haplodiploid. Their life cycle makes gene drive production challenging, as nests are initiated by single fertilized queens in spring followed by several cohorts of sterile female workers and the production of reproductives in autumn. We show that different spermatogenesis genes have different levels of variation between introduced and native ranges, enabling a potential ‘precision drive’ that could target the reduced genetic diversity and genotypes within the invaded range. In vitro testing showed guide-RNA target specificity and efficacy that was dependent on the gene target within Vespula, but no cross-reactivity in other Hymenoptera. Mathematical modelling incorporating the genetic and life history traits of Vespula wasps identified characteristics for a male sterility drive to achieve population control. There was a trade-off between drive infiltration and impact: a drive causing complete male sterility would not spread, while partial sterility could be effective in limiting population size if the homing rate is high. Our results indicate that gene drives may offer viable suppression for wasps and other haplodiploid pests.

Highlights

CRISPR gene drives have potential for widespread and cost-efficient pest control, but are highly controversial
We examined populations of common wasps from their native range (n = 83) and New Zealand (n = 43; Fig. 1b,c; Supplementary Table 1) for variation in eight gene regions predicted to be associated with spermatogenesis (Supplementary Table 2)
All eight regions showed some degree of variation, with a differing numbers of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (Fig. 1d,e)

Summary

Introduction

CRISPR gene drives have potential for widespread and cost-efficient pest control, but are highly controversial. We examined a potential gene drive targeting spermatogenesis to control the invasive common wasp (Vespula vulgaris) in New Zealand. Their life cycle makes gene drive production challenging, as nests are initiated by single fertilized queens in spring followed by several cohorts of sterile female workers and the production of reproductives in autumn. Mathematical modelling incorporating the genetic and life history traits of Vespula wasps identified characteristics for a male sterility drive to achieve population control. Multiple invasions have occurred into the invaded ranges[19] These wasps are generalist predators consuming 0.8–4.8 million loads of prey/ha in New Z ealand[20], compete with native species for r esources[21,22], and exert an annual cost of ~ NZ$133 million[18]. A spermatogenesis gene drive could potentially eradicate wasps or act in a “suppression drive” fashion[14] to lower their abundance

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