Large-scale genome-wide study reveals climate adaptive variability in a cosmopolitan pest

Area of Science:

• Evolutionary Biology
• Climate Change Ecology
• Genomics

Background:

• Understanding species' genetic basis for climatic adaptation is crucial for predicting climate change impacts.
• Intraspecific variation in local adaptation to climate remains poorly understood for most species.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the genetic basis of climate adaptation in the diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella).
• To predict the tolerance of Plutella xylostella populations to projected future climates.
• To identify key genes involved in local climate adaptation.

Main Methods:

• Genomic data analysis from 75 global sites.
• Development of an eco-genetic index combining genetic and physiological data.
• Genome editing to test gene function (PxCad).

Main Results:

• Climate-associated adaptive variation in Plutella xylostella follows a latitudinal pattern.
• Most populations exhibit high tolerance to projected future climates.
• The gene PxCad was identified as functionally temperature-responsive.

Conclusions:

• Plutella xylostella is largely capable of tolerating future climates globally.
• The species is predicted to remain a significant global pest beyond 2050.
• This study enhances understanding of adaptive variation and improves pest forecasting by revealing genetic adaptation mechanisms.