Abstract
We used eight microsatellite loci and a set of 20 aphid samples to investigate the spatial and temporal genetic structure of rosy apple aphid populations from 13 apple orchards situated in four different regions in France. Genetic variability was very similar between orchard populations and between winged populations collected before sexual reproduction in the fall and populations collected from colonies in the spring. A very small proportion of individuals (∼2%) had identical multilocus genotypes. Genetic differentiation between orchards was low (F ST <0.026), with significant differentiation observed only between orchards from different regions, but no isolation by distance was detected. These results are consistent with high levels of genetic mixing in holocyclic Dysaphis plantaginae populations (host alternation through migration and sexual reproduction). These findings concerning the adaptation of the rosy apple aphid have potential consequences for pest management.
Highlights
The rosy apple aphid Dysaphis plantaginea (Hemiptera: Aphididae) is one of the most serious pests of apple trees in Europe [1] and North America [2]
We analyzed the genetic structure of populations of the rosy apple aphid, D. plantaginae, collected from its primary host
Rosy apple aphid populations collected from apple trees in four regions of France displayed extensive genetic variation
Summary
The rosy apple aphid Dysaphis plantaginea (Hemiptera: Aphididae) is one of the most serious pests of apple trees in Europe [1] and North America [2]. It causes fruit deformation and severe leaf-curling [3], distorts shoots, reduces flower formation and slows tree growth [4]. In commercial apple tree orchards, the damage caused by even very low densities of aphids may decrease the commercial value of the crop. This economic loss justifies aphid management techniques, based principally on pesticide use. Alternative control strategies, such as the application of organic pesticides (neem extract or potassium soap [5]), the use of repellent or barrier-effect products (kaolin [7,8,9]), biological control [10, 11,12], and plant resistance [13,14,15,16], are being developed and tested
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 callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
