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A core set of microsatellite markers for Western Corn Rootworm (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) population genetics studies
Citation:
Kim, K., U. STOLZ, N. J. Miller, E. R. WAITS, T. Guillemaud, D. V. Sumerford, AND T. W. Sappington. A core set of microsatellite markers for Western Corn Rootworm (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) population genetics studies. ENVIRONMENTAL ENTOMOLOGY. Entomological Society of America, Lantham, MD, 37(2):293-300, (2008).
Impact/Purpose:
The objective of this task is to develop genetic methodologies for evaluating and decreasing ecological risks posed by genetically modified crops. This research has the following aims: measurement of population genetic parameters for target pest populations in order to inform pest resistance management models genetic analysis of resistance/tolerance to Bt-toxin in laboratory pest strains to investigate the genetic basis of Bt resistance.
Description:
Interest in the ecological and population genetics of the western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte, has grown rapidly in the last few years in North America and Europe. This interest is a result of a number of converging issues related to increasing difficulty in managing this pest, and the need to characterize and understand gene flow in the context of insect resistance management. One of the key components needed for successful population genetics studies is the availability of suitable molecular markers. Using a standard group of microsatellite markers enables researchers from different laboratories to directly compare and share their data, reducing duplication of effort and facilitating collaborative work among laboratories. We screened 22 candidate microsatellite loci against six criteria to create a core set of microsatellite markers for D. v. virgifera population genetics studies. The criteria for inclusion were moderate to high polymorphism, readability and repeatability, no evidence of null alleles, selective neutrality, no linkage between loci, and cross-taxa amplification ability. Based on the results, we recommend a core set of six microsatellite markers to be used in futgure population genetics studies of D. v. virgifera. As more microsatellites are developed, those meeting the criteria can be added to the core set. We encourage other groups of researchers with common interests in a particular insect species to develop core set of markers for population genetics applications.