Related Experiment Videos
Sugarcane moth borers (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae and Pyraloidea): phylogenetics constructed using COII and 16S
C L Lange1, K D Scott, G C Graham
1School of Life Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld 4072, Australia. c.lange@uq.edu.au
Bulletin of Entomological Research
|September 24, 2004
Summary
Molecular phylogeny reveals sugarcane moth borers (Noctuidae and Pyraloidea) require taxonomic revision. DNA diagnostics are crucial for identifying these invasive pests threatening the sugar industry.
Area of Science:
- Entomology
- Molecular Phylogenetics
- Agricultural Science
Background:
- Sugarcane moth borers, primarily from Noctuidae and Pyraloidea families, inflict significant economic damage to crops via larval stem boring.
- Accurate identification of these pests is challenging but vital for managing their invasive potential and protecting the sugar industry.
Purpose of the Study:
- To construct a molecular phylogeny of sugarcane moth borers using mitochondrial DNA.
- To assess the taxonomic validity of existing classifications within Noctuidae and Pyraloidea.
- To provide a foundation for developing DNA-based diagnostics for pest identification.
Main Methods:
- Partial sequencing of two mitochondrial genes (COII and 16S) from 26 species across ten genera and six tribes.
- Phylogenetic analysis to infer evolutionary relationships among the studied moth borer species.
Main Results:
- The Noctuidae family was confirmed as monophyletic, supporting current taxonomic arrangements.
- The Pyraloidea were found to be paraphyletic, with implications for the classification of subfamilies like Crambinae, Galleriinae, and Schoenobiinae.
- Monophyly was observed in genera Diatraea (Crambinae) and Sesamia, Bathytricha (Noctuidae), while Chilo (Crambinae) was paraphyletic and Eoreuma, Busseola basal.
Conclusions:
- Phylogenetic data necessitate taxonomic revisions at multiple levels within sugarcane moth borers.
- The study supports the separation of Pyralidae and Crambinae but questions the inclusion of Schoenobiinae within Crambidae.
- Developed molecular data can facilitate DNA-based diagnostics for rapid identification of these agriculturally significant pests.