Mitochondrial Haplotypes Research Articles

Hybridization, spatial genetic structure and potential environmental preadaptation in Quercus robur and Quercus petraea in Germany– results from the 4th National Forest Inventory

In the course of the 4th German National Forest Inventory, samples of the two oak species Quercus robur and Quercus petraea were collected throughout Germany. Genetic analyses were performed based on 403 nuclear, 21 chloroplast and 7 mitochondrial markers. The analyses showed good differentiation between the two species based on genetic data. Both species are connected through hybridization and introgression, but only about 2% of the samples analysed were found to be potential first-generation hybrids. Identical chloroplast and mitochondrial haplotypes with lineage specific distribution patterns were identified in both species. Different haplo- and mitotypes showed a tight linkage. Analysis of nuclear SNPs revealed a clear genetic structure in Q. robur, which appears to be largely of natural origin and can be explained by the postglacial recolonization routes through which the species dispersed throughout Germany after the last glacial maximum. Environmental influences, most importantly continentality, also appear to have an impact on the genetic structure of Q. robur, possibly caused by preadaptation within the refugial source-populations. For Q. petraea, the situation seems more complicated and no clear genetic structure could be identified.

Genetic Diversity and Connectivity of Syngnathid Fish in Spanish National Parks: Conservation Insights From Protected Marine Ecosystems

ABSTRACTSpanish National Parks (NPs) are protected areas for biodiversity conservation, including two Maritime–Terrestrian NPs: The Atlantic Islands of Galicia, PNIA (NW Spain) and Archipelago of Cabrera, PNAC (Balearic Islands). This study was aimed to conduct a 3‐year genetic survey of syngnathid fish species (i.e. seahorses and pipefish) identified in both NPs and nearby unprotected areas, using mitochondrial and microsatellite markers. A diversity of species was identified with differential distribution among NPs and adjacent areas studied. Pipefish (Syngnathus acus, S. abaster, S. typhle, Entelurus aequoreus, Nerophis lumbriciformis, N. maculatus, and N. ophidion) predominated, while seahorses (Hippocampus guttulatus) were much less abundant. Genetic data and phylogenetic analysis clarified in situ morphological identification. Mitochondrial haplotypes for each species clustered into monophyletic groups, supporting the identification of a cryptic lineage of S. abaster in PNAC distinct from eastern Mediterranean populations of this species. Intraspecific genetic diversity was evaluated at spatial and temporal scale for population samples recorded during the survey period, providing valuable information for individual resampling traceability and delineating management units. Temporal stability in genetic diversity and gene flow with adjacent areas were observed for dominant species within each NP in the 3‐year period studied. However, significant intraspecific differentiation was detected between populations identified in Atlantic and Mediterranean NPs. This study provides valuable reference genetic data for future monitoring and to identify distribution or research gaps for further studies towards the conservation of syngnathid populations in Spanish marine NPs, which serve as umbrella species for the preservation of vulnerable coastal ecosystems and habitats.

Genetic Variability of Dalbulus maidis Populations from Brazil and Their Infectivity with Pathogens of Corn Stunt Complex.

The corn leafhopper, Dalbulus maidis (DeLong & Wolcott) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), is a key pest of maize crops in the tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas. In addition to direct damage, its major impact is related to its action as insect vector of pathogens related to corn stunting complex (CSC). CSC diseases are currently the most important and cause severe crop losses in Argentina, Mexico, Brazil, and the southern United States, and outbreaks have been more oftenly reported. Little information is available on the population characteristics of the corn leafhopper and its bioecology. In this sense, we analyzed the genetic diversity of 120 representative specimens of D. maidis from four regions of Brazil (Northeast, Southeast, South, and Central-West) using a region of the mitochondrial gene coding for the cytochrome oxidase subunit I (mtCOI) as molecular marker. In addition, the infectivity of the collected insects with CSC pathogens was assessed to verify the prevalence of each CSC pathogen in specimens collected from different regions of Brazil. The Brazilian D. maidis population studied was divided into 18 mitochondrial haplotypes, focusing on haplotypes A, B, and C, which are predominant in this country. In addition, the mtCOI gene of D. maidis was found to have low variability in Brazil (π = 0.00171). Our data suggest that there are no spatial or temporal barriers between the different populations of D. maidis studied, which could be due to a short evolutionary time and its outstanding dispersion capacity. In addition, this study revealed a prevalence of infected leafhoppers with any of the CSC pathogens in Brazil, with more than half of the samples analyzed carrying at least one of the phytopathogens studied. Our study provides insights on population pest management of D. maidis in order to prevent CSC incidence in maize crops and pest resistance development in these vector populations to agricultural pesticides.

Range expansion by avocado lace bug, Pseudacysta perseae (Hemiptera: Tingidae): a reassessment of population genetic structure reveals evidence for a second invasion into California.

Pseudacysta perseae (Heidemann 1908) (Hemiptera: Tingidae), a foliar pest of avocados, was first discovered in urban San Diego County, California U.S. in 2004. In 2017, damaging populations of P. perseae were discovered in commercial Hass avocado groves in San Diego and Riverside Counties. The unexpected and rapid spread of P. perseae raised the question of whether this range expansion was an extension of the original incursion or the result of a second invasion event. Using sequences of the mitochondrial COI gene, we found strong evidence that P. perseae populations in southern San Diego County are comprised almost entirely of the single haplotype (A) that was detected in 2004. In contrast, newly established (2017 onwards) populations of P. perseae infesting commercial orchards consisted exclusively of a second mitochondrial haplotype (G). This haplotype is found in Florida and the Caribbean and is conclusive evidence that California has been invaded a second time. Molecular analyses also confirmed that invasive P. perseae populations in Hawai'i are haplotype G, indicating that California and Hawai'i populations may have originated from the same source area (possibly Florida), or that California may have acted as an invasion bridgehead for the invasion of Hawai'i. Reproductive compatibility of the primary (haplotype A) and secondary (haplotype G) invasive populations in California was confirmed via a series of reciprocal laboratory crosses and results suggest that fertility of hybrid eggs is increased. The potential consequences of this second invasion into California by P. perseae are discussed.

Five millennia of mitonuclear discordance in Atlantic bluefin tuna identified using ancient DNA.

Mitonuclear discordance between species is readily documented in marine fishes. Such discordance may either be the result of past natural phenomena or the result of recent introgression from previously seperated species after shifts in their spatial distributions. Using ancient DNA spanning five millennia, we here investigate the long-term presence of Pacific bluefin tuna (Thunnus orientalis) and albacore (Thunnus alalunga) -like mitochondrial (MT) genomes in Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus), a species with extensive exploitation history and observed shifts in abundance and age structure. Comparing ancient (n = 130) and modern (n = 78) Atlantic bluefin MT genomes from most of its range, we detect no significant spatial or temporal population structure, which implies ongoing gene flow between populations and large effective population sizes over millennia. Moreover, we identify discordant MT haplotypes in ancient specimens up to 5000 years old and find that the frequency of these haplotypes has remained similar through time. We therefore conclude that MT discordance in the Atlantic bluefin tuna is not driven by recent introgression. Our observations provide oldest example of directly observed MT discordance in the marine environment, highlighting the utility of ancient DNA to obtain insights in the long-term persistence of such phenomena.

Chromosome-level reference genome assembly of the gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus) and population genomics offer insights into the falcon population in Mongolia

The taxonomic classification of a falcon population found in the Mongolian Altai region in Asia has been heavily debated for two centuries and previous studies have been inconclusive, hindering a more informed conservation approach. Here, we generated a chromosome-level gyrfalcon reference genome using the Vertebrate Genomes Project (VGP) assembly pipeline. Using whole genome sequences of 49 falcons from different species and populations, including “Altai” falcons, we analyzed their population structure, admixture patterns, and demographic history. We find that the Altai falcons are genomic mosaics of saker and gyrfalcon ancestries, and carry distinct W and mitochondrial haplotypes that cluster with the lanner falcon. The Altai maternally-inherited haplotypes diverged 422,000 years before present (290,000–550,000 YBP) from the ancestor of sakers and gyrfalcons, both of which, in turn, split 109,000 YBP (70,000–150,000 YBP). The Altai W chromosome has 31 coding variants in 29 genes that may possibly influence important structural, behavioral, and reproductive traits. These findings provide insights into the question of Altai falcons as a candidate distinct species.

Parasite spillover rather than niche expansion explains infection of host brain by diplostomid eye flukes.

Parasites often occupy specific sites within their host, which has important implications for host performance and parasite transmission. Nonetheless, parasitic infections can occur beyond their typical location within a host, significantly altering host-parasite interactions. Yet, the causes behind the atypical tissue tropism are poorly understood. Here, we focus on a ubiquitous group of diplostomid parasites that form diverse communities in fish eyes. We used targeted DNA metabarcoding (cytochrome c oxydase subunit 1, COX1, 250 bp) to evaluate potential mechanisms underlying eye parasite atypical tissue tropism to the brain of two widespread fish species (Eurasian perch and common roach). We found that the most common eye-infecting species (Tylodelphys clavata, Diplostomum baeri) are present in the brains of perch but not in roach. The bipartite network comprising 5 species and 24 mitochondrial haplotypes revealed no brain-specific haplotypes, indicating an apparent lack of genetic divergence between brain- and eye-infecting parasites. Instead, the prevalence, intensity and diversity of eye infections were positively correlated with brain infections. Thus, our results suggest that the most parsimonious mechanism underlying brain infection is density-dependent spillover rather than parasite divergence-driven niche expansion. We anticipate that 'off-target' infections are likely to be severely underestimated in nature with important ecological, evolutionary and medical implications.

Genetic characteristics of the bred group of deer and assessment of gene flow from it to natural populations

Here we present the results of genetic analysis of an artificial deer population, inhabiting an enclosed territory near Lida. The analysis was aimed at determining the precise origins and genetic characteristics of the population and disco vering presence of any gene flow between the artificial population and the wild deer of the region. We employed mitochondrial control region haplotypes analysis to identify origins and possible matrilineal hybrids, and hybrid classification of migration analysis based on microsatellite data to discover hybrid specimens and gene flow, respectively. We have determined that the artificial population in question belongs to the species Cervus canadensis sibiricus, or Altai wapiti, originates in the South Altai region, and possesses mediocre genetic diversity as can be expected from a population of this size. While singular results of hybrid analysis seem to indicate a possibility of rare interbreeding between escaped wapiti and wild deer, there are no indicators of any substantial gene flow from the artificial population into the wild, but we believe that it still warrants additional attention in order to prevent undesirable introgression.

Population genomics and genetic diversity of the invasive chrysanthemum lace bug (Corythucha marmorata) across its invasive range in Japan

The escalating global movement of alien species, facilitated by increased trade and travel, poses a pressing need to comprehend their invasive potential and the consequent ecological and economic ramifications. Despite a growing body of evidence on rapid evolutionary shifts in invasive species, comprehensive insights into the genetic variability underlying these adaptations are constrained by limited genomic resources. Understanding the role of genetic variation in the success or failure of biological invaders is thus crucial. This study focuses on the chrysanthemum lace bug, Corythucha marmorata, as a model system to investigate the interplay of genetic variation and invasion dynamics. Our analysis reveals moderate genetic structure among countries, with significant genetic differentiation observed within populations. Mitochondrial COI DNA and haplotype network analysis revealed shared haplotypes between Japan and North America, indicating recent events of introduction, while exclusive Japanese haplotypes and significant FST and GST values suggest local divergence. Phylogenetic and STRUCTURE analyses show genetic clusters unique to Japan, with populations like SAG and CER displaying higher divergence. Bottlenecks followed by divergence, as indicated by the DIYABC-RF analysis, point to a complex evolutionary history involving multiple introductions and subsequent local divergence in Japan.

Prevalence and diversity of Aphanomyces astaci in cambarid crayfish of Pennsylvania: where native and introduced hosts meet.

The crayfish plague pathogen Aphanomyces astaci (Oomycota: Saprolegniales) is native to North America but expanded with its crayfish hosts to other regions. In most of its invaded range, A. astaci haplotypes are associated with specific American crayfish, probably due to introduction bottlenecks, but haplotype diversity is higher and clear host-specific associations are lacking in its native range. However, little is known about the infection rate and load of this pathogen in North America. We investigated the distribution, prevalence and genetic variation of A. astaci in Pennsylvania (eastern USA), where multiple native and introduced crayfish species (family Cambaridae) occur. We used A. astaci-specific quantitative PCR to screen 533 individuals representing 8 crayfish species (2 Cambarus and 6 Faxonius) from 49 sites. Faxonius limosus, an American species first introduced to Europe and carrier of A. astaci genotype group E, was of particular interest. We confirmed A. astaci infections in 76% of sites in all but 1 host taxon, with the pathogen infection rate and load comparable to established populations of North American crayfish studied in Europe and Japan. Despite the absence of highly infected hosts, we genotyped A. astaci from 14 sites. We only detected 2 mitochondrial haplotypes, but nuclear markers indicated the presence of at least 4 distinct pathogen genotypes, none documented from invaded areas in Europe or Asia. Genotype group E was not detected in F. limosus, possibly due to limited spatial distribution of the original strain. Our results highlight both benefits and limitations of combining multiple pathogen genotyping methods.

Continental influx and pervasive matrilocality in Iron Age Britain

Roman writers found the relative empowerment of Celtic women remarkable1. In southern Britain, the Late Iron Age Durotriges tribe often buried women with substantial grave goods2. Here we analyse 57 ancient genomes from Durotrigian burial sites and find an extended kin group centred around a single maternal lineage, with unrelated (presumably inward migrating) burials being predominantly male. Such a matrilocal pattern is undescribed in European prehistory, but when we compare mitochondrial haplotype variation among European archaeological sites spanning six millennia, British Iron Age cemeteries stand out as having marked reductions in diversity driven by the presence of dominant matrilines. Patterns of haplotype sharing reveal that British Iron Age populations form fine-grained geographical clusters with southern links extending across the channel to the continent. Indeed, whereas most of Britain shows majority genomic continuity from the Early Bronze Age to the Iron Age, this is markedly reduced in a southern coastal core region with persistent cross-channel cultural exchange3. This southern core has evidence of population influx in the Middle Bronze Age but also during the Iron Age. This is asynchronous with the rest of the island and points towards a staged, geographically granular absorption of continental influence, possibly including the acquisition of Celtic languages.

Genetic polymorphism of mitochondrial DNA of beluga throughout its range and genetic monitoring of restocking in the Caspian Sea

The purpose of the work: to study the genetic structure and genetic heterogeneity inherent in various beluga populations for the competent construction of the restocking process of the species.Scientific novelty: for the first time, the results of studying the genetic diversity of mtDNA control region of beluga in its entire range and brood stock of beluga in the SFF of the Caspian region are presented.Materials and methods: the work uses material from the RNCRGM FGBNU VNIRO (Russian National Collection of Reference Genetic Materials). The mtDNA control region was sequenced using ABI3500xL genetic analyzers (Applied Biosystems, USA). The collection and analysis of fish-breeding and biological indicators, materials on artificial spawning of producers in the period from 2016 to 2021 was carried out, the effectiveness of crosses was assessed by the degree of development of eggs at the stage of 4 blastomeres.Results: 100 different mitochondrial haplotypes with a length of 614 bp were identified in 246 beluga individuals. The largest number of haplotypes is found in the Caspian population, the smallest in the Azov one. The total haplotypic diversity for beluga was Hd=0.983, standard deviation 0,002, and nucleotide diversity π=0,0138±0,00712. Comparison of populations showed high intra-population and low inter-population variability. There is no genetic differentiation between the beluga populations of the Caspian and Azov Seas, the most pronounced differentiation is between the Caspian and Black Sea belugas. Such fish-breeding and biological characteristics as average weight, inter-spawning interval, relative and working fertility, generative index, and other data were evaluated and entered into the register of beluga producers. It has been shown that the genetic polymorphism of belugas used in SFF to produce juveniles is sufficient for the formation of genetically diverse offspring.Practical significance: the data are used in genetic monitoring and restocking of the natural beluga population.

Population structure of Clinostomum complanatum (Trematoda: Digenea) with new data on haplotype diversity of flukes from Slovakia and Italy.

The fluke Clinostomum complanatum, a parasite of piscivorous birds, but also reptiles and rarely mammals, has established several foci in the western Palaearctic regions. Previous studies pointed out the complicated taxonomy of the genus, but broader population genetic analysis of C. complanatum has not yet been carried out. The aim of this study was to determine the structure, intraspecific variability, and diversity of mitochondrial cox1 haplotypes of C. complanatum from different localities in Slovakia (Danube floodplain forests) and Italy (Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany), as well as to evaluate the interrelationships among populations from Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. The genetic structure of C. complanatum from Slovakia and Italy was represented by a great number of haplotypes, showing stable populations with high intraspecific diversity. The haplotypes of samples from other localities (Romania, Turkey, Egypt, and Iran) showed possible gene flow among the populations from Central Europe down to the Mediterranean region, North Africa, and the Middle East. The genetic homogeneity of these samples can be linked to the distribution and migratory routes of the definitive hosts, aquatic piscivorous birds, mainly herons and cormorants, that spread parasite eggs among the continents.

Reconstructing ancient Southern African mitochondrial genomes at Faraoskop

Twelve human skeletons, approximately 2000 years old, were recovered from the Faraoskop archaeological site in the Western Cape Province, South Africa (Manhire 1993). Several of the skeletons were well enough preserved to determine the osteological profiles (sex, age and stature etc.). Additionally, paleopathological and traumatic changes were observed on some of these skeletal remains. Given suggested context that these human remains were drawn from a single mortuary event, this paper investigates the possibility of familial relationships between the individuals by establishing maternal profiles from mitochondrial DNA. The mitochondrial DNA analysis resulted in the identification of four full genomes from the Faraoskop (FK) individuals and the two Khoesan pastoralist individuals chosen as reference samples for the analysis. Three other FK individuals provided partial genomes which could be assigned to incomplete haplotypes. Five individuals could not be sequenced due to poor DNA preservation. Molecular sex could be confirmed for five FK and two reference individuals, adding to the sex assessment from osteological data. All but one of the mitochondrial haplotypes were L0d1 or L0d2 which is consistent with mtDNA from living Khoesan populations in southern Africa. One individual (FK1) was L0f1, a haplotype which is not present southern African Khoesan, but is currently centred in Uganda and Tanzania. It is occasionally found amongst southern African Bantu speakers which suggests that the presence of L0f1 is a remnant of an earlier distribution which is now lost. The three L0 mitochondrial haplotypes from the six Faraoskop individuals (L0d1, L0d2, and L0f) suggest a diversity of maternal lineages compatible with the diversity of Khoesan groups but given the simultaneity of the burial, it is tempting to suggest that those with similar maternal haplotypes were closely related.

Genetic Characterization of Captive South American Fur Seals in Japan Based on Mitochondrial and Microsatellite DNA Analyses.

Molecular genetic analyses are effective in revealing the origin, kinship, and genetic diversity of zoo animals. In this study, we carried out the genetic characterization of captive founder individuals of the South American fur seal (Arctocephalus australis) in Japanese zoos and aquariums based on analyses of mitochondrial sequences and nuclear microsatellite loci. In mitochondrial DNA analysis, the haplotype diversity and nucleotide diversity of the overall population were 0.8949 and 0.0119, respectively. Microsatellite DNA analysis revealed that the observed heterozygosity within the overall population was 0.722. In addition, we did not detect genetic bottlenecks. The results from two kinds of DNA analyses indicated that the genetic diversity in this captive population was equivalent to that previously reported in wild populations. The detected mitochondrial haplotypes were the same as or phylogenetically close to those previously reported in wild populations in southern Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, and southern Chile but diverged from those previously reported in a wild population in Peru. Genetic clustering analyses using microsatellite genotypes revealed that no clear genetic structures in this captive population.

Genetic Composition of Polish Hucul Mare Families: mtDNA Diversity.

Backround: The Hucul horse breed formed in the region of the Eastern Carpathians, likely through the natural crossbreeding of oriental horses. After World War II, their population significantly decreased, leading to the breeding being based on only 14 female lines, whose founders often had unknown origins. To preserve the breed's unique characteristics, it is now part of a Genetic Resources Conservation Program, which prioritizes the maintenance of genetic diversity. This study aims to clarify the maternal relatedness of founder mares and assess genetic diversity using mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Methods: The hyper-variable region of the mitochondrial genome was analyzed in 57 horses. Pedigree records were used to trace genealogical lines, and molecular analysis focused on identifying maternal relationships between founder mares. Results: The analysis revealed close maternal kinships between the lines of Jagoda and Bajkałka, as well as Sekunda and Sroczka. In the Hucul population, seventeen mitochondrial haplotypes were identified, with three that did not match any established lines. The findings reveal discrepancies between pedigree records and mitochondrial DNA data, suggesting potential inaccuracies in the Hucul horse studbook. Conclusions: The findings highlight the importance of combining pedigree and molecular data to refine strategies to preserving genetic diversity, minimizing inbreeding, and improving the management the Genetic Resources Conservation Program.

The relationship between mitochondrial DNA haplotype and its copy number on body weight and morphological traits of Wuliangshan black-bone chickens.

Mitochondria play a pivotal role as carriers of genetic information through their circular DNA molecules. The rapid evolution of the D-loop region in mitochondria makes it an ideal molecular marker for exploring genetic differentiation among individuals within species and populations with close kinship. However, the influence of mtDNA D-loop region haplotypes and mtDNA copy numbers on phenotypic traits, particularly production traits in chickens, remains poorly understood. In this comprehensive study, we conducted D-loop region amplification and sequencing in the blood mitochondria of 232 female Wuliangshan black-bone chickens. Our investigation identified a total of 38 haplotypes, with a focus on 10 haplotypes that included more than five individuals. We meticulously analyzed the correlations between these haplotypes and a range of traits, encompassing body weight, tibial length, tibial circumference, body oblique length, chest width, and chest depth. The results unveiled significant disparities in specific tested traits across different haplotypes, indicating a tangible association between mtDNA haplotypes and traits in chickens. These findings underscore the potential impact of mitochondrial DNA variations on energy metabolism, ultimately leading to divergent chicken phenotypes. Furthermore, our examination revealed positive correlations between mtDNA copy numbers and tested traits for select haplotypes, while other haplotypes exhibited non-uniform relationships between traits and mtDNA copy numbers. In addition, phylogenetic analysis disclosed the involvement of two subspecies of red jungle chicken in the origin of Wuliangshan black-bone chickens. Consequently, our research contributes novel insights into mitochondrial genomic selection, augments comprehension of the roles played by haplotypes and mtDNA copy numbers in chicken population genetics and phylogenetic analysis, and furnishes fundamental data crucial for the preservation and provenance determination of black-bone chickens.

Patterns of genetic variation and parentage in a population of desert kit foxes (Vulpes macrotis arsipus) in California

Abstract Kit foxes represent a small canid in semi-arid and arid regions in the southwestern United States. The San Joaquin Kit Fox (Vulpes macrotis mutica) is listed as federally endangered, and based on more recent studies, populations of the Nevada Kit Fox (V. m. nevadensis) are declining in Utah. These 2 subspecies show a loss of genetic variation in response to population declines. Various anthropogenic activities threaten kit foxes throughout other regions of their distribution, but less is known about the basic biology and genetics of other subspecies of kit foxes. Here, we used sequences from the mitochondrial cytochrome b (Cytb) gene and 12 DNA microsatellites to investigate patterns of genetic variation and test for mating fidelity in a population of the socially monogamous Desert Kit Fox, V. m. arsipus. In the current study, the mitochondrial haplotype diversity (Hd) was higher than or comparable to other canids and terrestrial mammals. The mitochondrial results also provided evidence for male-biased dispersal and female philopatry. Expected heterozygosity (He) and number of alleles per locus (Na) for the 12 microsatellite loci were higher relative to other species of foxes and canids. As seen for nearly all species of socially monogamous canids, 17% of the pups of the mated pairs of the Desert Kit Fox revealed evidence of extra-pair mating, a value like small canids. Additionally, we observed 1 case of mate switching between breeding seasons, even though the previous mate was still alive. These data suggest that long-term pair bonding may not be as extensive as once thought.

Toward the Development of the Trojan Female Technique in Pest Insects: Male-Specific Influence of Mitochondrial Haplotype on Reproductive Output in the Seed Beetle Acanthoscelides obtectus.

Biocontrol techniques that impair reproductive capacity of insect pests provide opportunities to control the dynamics of their populations while minimizing collateral damage to non-target species and the environment. The Trojan Female Technique, or TFT, is a method of the trans-generational fertility-based population control through the release of females that carry mitochondrial DNA mutations that negatively affect male, but not female, reproductive output. TFT is based on the evolutionary hypothesis that, due to maternal inheritance of mitochondria, mutations which are beneficial or neutral in females but harmful in males can accumulate in the mitochondrial genome without selection acting against them. Although TFT has been theoretically substantiated, empirical work to date has focused only on Drosophila melanogaster populations, while the existence of male-biased mutations and the TFT approach in economically important pest species remain unexplored. Here, we examined the sex-specific effects of three distinct and naturally occurring mitochondrial haplotypes (MG1a, MG1d, and MG3b) on several reproductive and life history traits in the seed beetle Acanthoscelides obtectus. Our results revealed that males harboring the MG3b mitotype exhibited lower early fecundity and fertility, while there were no effects on females or longevity in either sex. Our experiments provide support for the existence of the mitochondrial variant that specifically impairs male reproductive output in pest insects. These results can be harnessed to further develop TFT as a novel form of biocontrol with broad applicability to economic pests and disease vector insects.

First molecular report of the Chelonid alphaherpesvirus 5 (ChHV5 Scutavirus chelonidalpha5) in a green turtle (Chelonia mydas) with fibropapillomatosis in the southwest Gulf of Mexico

Fibropapillomatosis (FP) is an emerging neoplastic disease associated with chelonid herpesvirus 5 (ChHV5; Scutavirus chelonidalpha 5) that affects all species of marine turtles worldwide, mainly green turtles (Chelonia mydas) at coastal feeding sites. This report describes the case of a juvenile green turtle stranded alive on the coast of Veracruz, Mexico that presented 41 lesions suggestive of FP distributed on the eyes, neck, front flippers, axillary/inguinal regions and plastron. Morphologically, the lesions varied in size, shape and appearance of the surface. A tumour was collected and analysed by histopathology revealing a benign neoplasm with fibropapilloma characteristics (dermal and epidermal proliferation) and cytopathic effects consistent with herpesvirus infection, such as ballooning, reticular, and vacuolar degeneration, cell necrosis, eosinophilic intranuclear inclusion bodies, and inflammatory cell infiltration. The tumour tested positive for ChHV5 through conventional PCR targeting the UL30, UL18, UL22, and UL27 genes. Phylogenetic analysis of the DNA Polymerase (UL30) placed the Veracruz variant in the Western Atlantic/Eastern Caribbean cluster along with sequences from Florida, Colombia, Barbados, and Brazil. Additional identification of the CMA1.1 DNA mitochondrial haplotype for this individual supports the connectivity between green turtles from the northern and southern regions of the Gulf of Mexico (GoM) and the Caribbean. It also suggests a potential risk route for ChHV5 infection. This report details the first case of FP linked to ChHV5 in Veracruz and the southwestern GoM. Further research on FP and ChHV5 in these areas is crucial due to their role as habitats for five sea turtle species across various life stages.