Journal of Insect Science (2012) 12 (110), 1-13

Blas Lavandero, Pamela Rojas, Claudio C. Ramirez, Marcela Salazar and Peter D.S. Caligari (2012)
Genetic structure of the aphid, Chaetosiphon fragaefolii, and its role as a vector of the Strawberry mild yellow edge virus to a native strawberry, Fragaria chiloensis in Chile
Journal of Insect Science 12 (110), 1-13
Abstract: The monoecious anholocyclical aphid, Chaetosiphon fragaefolii (Cockerell) (Homoptera: Aphididae), was collected on a native strawberry, Fragaria chiloensis (L.) Duchesne (Rosales: Rosaceae) from different sites in Chile. The presence of this aphid was recorded during two consecutive years. F. chiloensis plants were collected from seven natural and cultivated growing areas in central and southern Chile. Aphids were genotyped by cross-species amplification of four microsatellite loci from other aphid species. In addition, the aphid borne virus Strawberry mild yellow edge virus was confirmed in F. chiloensis plants by double-antibody sandwich ELISA and RT-PCR. Genetic variability and structure of the aphid populations was assessed from the geo-referenced individuals through AMOVA and a Bayesian assignment test. The presence of C. fragaefolii, during the two-year study was detected in only four of the seven sites (Curepto, Contulmo, Chillán and Cucao). Genetic variation among these populations reached 19% of the total variance. When assigning the individuals to groups, these were separated in three genetic clusters geographically disjunct. Of the seven sampled sites, six were positive for the virus by RT-PCR, and five by double-antibody sandwich ELISA . The incidence of the virus ranged from 0-100%. Presence of the virus corresponded with the presence of the aphid in all but two sites (Chillan and Vilches). The greatest incidence of Strawberry mild yellow edge virus was related to the abundance of aphids. On the other hand, sequences of the coat protein gene of the different virus samples did not show correspondence with either the genetic groups of the aphids or the sampling sites. The genetic structure of aphids could suggest that dispersal is mainly through human activities, and the spread to natural areas has not yet occurred on a great scale.
(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): Blas Lavandero, Claudio C. Ramirez

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
molecular biology - genes
transmission/dispersal of plant diseases

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Chaetosiphon fragaefolii	Strawberry (Fragaria)	Chile (continental)
	Strawberry mild yellow edge virus	Strawberry (Fragaria)	Chile (continental)