Journal of Economic Entomology (2012) 105, 2136-2146

Felipe A. Domingues, Karina L. Silva-Brandão, Aluana G. Abreu, Omaththage P. Perera, Carlos A. Blanco, Fernando L. Cônsoli and Celso Omoto (2012)
Genetic structure and gene flow among Brazilian populations of Heliothis virescens (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Journal of Economic Entomology 105 (6), 2136-2146
Abstract: Population genetic studies are essential to the better application of pest management strategies, including the monitoring of the evolution of resistance to insecticides and genetically modified plants. Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner (Bt) crops have been instrumental in controlling tobacco budworm, Heliothis virescens (F.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), a pest that has developed resistance to many common insecticides once used for its management. In our study, microsatellite markers were applied to investigate the genetic structure and patterns of gene flow among Brazilian populations of H. virescens from cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L., and soybean, Glycine max (L.) Merr., fields, aiming to propose means to improve its management in the field. In total, 127 alleles were found across nine microsatellites loci for 205 individuals from 12 localities. Low levels of gene flow and moderate to great genetic structure were found for these populations. Host plant association, crop growing season, and geographic origin were not responsible for the genetic structuring among Brazilian populations of H. virescens. Other factors, such as demographic history and seasonal variability of intrapopulation genetic variation, were suggested to be molding the current pattern of genetic variability distribution.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Fernando L. Consoli, Celso Omoto, Carlos A. Blanco, Omaththage P. Perera, Karina L. Silva-Brandão

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
molecular biology - genes

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Heliothis virescens	Soybean (Glycine max)
	Heliothis virescens	Cotton (Gossypium)