| Autor: |
Harrop TWR; Genomics Aotearoa and Department of Biochemistry, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, Aotearoa, New Zealand., Le Lec MF; Genomics Aotearoa and Department of Biochemistry, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, Aotearoa, New Zealand., Jauregui R; AgResearch, Grasslands Research Centre, Palmerston North 4410, New Zealand., Taylor SE; Genomics Aotearoa and Department of Biochemistry, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, Aotearoa, New Zealand., Inwood SN; Genomics Aotearoa and Department of Biochemistry, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, Aotearoa, New Zealand., van Stijn T; AgResearch, Invermay Agricultural Centre, Private Bag 50034, Mosgiel, New Zealand., Henry H; AgResearch, Invermay Agricultural Centre, Private Bag 50034, Mosgiel, New Zealand., Skelly J; Genomics Aotearoa and Department of Biochemistry, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, Aotearoa, New Zealand., Ganesh S; AgResearch, Grasslands Research Centre, Palmerston North 4410, New Zealand., Ashby RL; AgResearch, Invermay Agricultural Centre, Private Bag 50034, Mosgiel, New Zealand., Jacobs JME; AgResearch, Lincoln Science Centre, Private Bag 4749, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand.; Bio-Protection Research Centre, PO Box 85084, Lincoln University, Lincoln 7647, New Zealand., Goldson SL; AgResearch, Lincoln Science Centre, Private Bag 4749, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand.; Bio-Protection Research Centre, PO Box 85084, Lincoln University, Lincoln 7647, New Zealand., Dearden PK; Genomics Aotearoa and Department of Biochemistry, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, Aotearoa, New Zealand. |
| Abstrakt: |
Modified, agricultural landscapes are susceptible to damage by insect pests. Biological control of pests is typically successful once a control agent has established, but this depends on the agent's capacity to co-evolve with the host. Theoretical studies have shown that different levels of genetic variation between the host and the control agent will lead to rapid evolution of resistance in the host. Although this has been reported in one instance, the underlying genetics have not been studied. To address this, we measured the genetic variation in New Zealand populations of the pasture pest, Argentine stem weevil ( Listronotus bonariensis ), which is controlled with declining effectiveness by a parasitoid wasp, Microctonus hyperodae . We constructed a draft reference genome of the weevil, collected samples from a geographical survey of 10 sites around New Zealand, and genotyped them using a modified genotyping-by-sequencing approach. New Zealand populations of Argentine stem weevil have high levels of heterozygosity and low population structure, consistent with a large effective population size and frequent gene flow. This implies that Argentine stem weevils were able to evolve more rapidly than their biocontrol agent, which reproduces asexually. These findings show that monitoring genetic diversity in biocontrol agents and their targets is critical for long-term success of biological control. |
