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Molecular markers for species identification of Hessian fly males caught on sticky pheromone traps
Abstract:
Pheromone traps have been widely used to monitor insect population activity. However, sticky pheromone traps for the Hessian fly (Mayetiola destructor), one of the most destructive pests of wheat, have been used only in recent years. Hessian fly male adults are small and fragile, and preserving specimens during sorting of sticky pheromone traps is a challenge when intact specimens are often required to visually distinguish them from related insects such as fungus gnats. In this study, we have established a quick and reliable method based on polymerase chain reaction markers to correctly distinguish Hessian fly males from other closely related insects. Two Hessian fly-specific markers were established, one based on the trypsin gene MDP-10 and the other based on a gene encoding the salivary gland protein SSGP31-5. Both markers provided > 98% identification success of 110 Hessian fly samples prepared from single insects. The method should provide a useful tool to allow for identification of Hessian fly individuals on sticky pheromone traps or in other situations when Hessian fly eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults are difficult to distinguish from other insects.
Insights
A new polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method accurately identifies Hessian fly males using specific gene markers. This technique aids in distinguishing this wheat pest from similar insects on sticky pheromone traps.
Area of Science:
- Entomology
- Molecular Biology
- Agricultural Science
Background:
- Pheromone traps are crucial for monitoring insect populations.
- Sticky traps for Hessian fly (Mayetiola destructor) are recent innovations.
- Distinguishing Hessian fly males from similar insects on traps is challenging due to their small size and fragility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a rapid and reliable method for identifying Hessian fly males.
- To differentiate Hessian fly males from closely related insect species using molecular markers.
Main Methods:
- Developed species-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) markers.
- Utilized two Hessian fly-specific markers: one targeting the trypsin gene (MDP-10) and another targeting a salivary gland protein gene (SSGP31-5).
- Tested markers on 110 Hessian fly samples from single insects.
Main Results:
- Achieved over 98% identification success rate for Hessian fly samples.
- Successfully distinguished Hessian fly males from other insects using the established PCR markers.
- Validated the efficacy of both MDP-10 and SSGP31-5 markers.
Conclusions:
- The PCR-based method offers a quick and reliable tool for Hessian fly identification.
- This technique is valuable for analyzing samples from sticky pheromone traps.
- It assists in distinguishing Hessian flies from other insects across all life stages.
