Native genetic structure of black bean bug Brachyplatys subaeneus: Implications for pest management

The black bean bug Brachyplatys subaeneus is a crucial legume crop pest native to Asia. It has been introduced to the Americas and rapidly in tropical and subtropical regions, where it poses a serious threat to local legume crops. However, the native population structure and invasive sources of this pest have never been studied, hindering effective monitoring and management. Here, we investigated the genetic structure of native populations based on nuclear SNP data and genetic relationship between the Panama samples and the native samples based on COI and 16S rRNA sequences. In addition, we constructed ecological niche models to predict its potential invasion areas.

We found that B. subaeneus comprised three geographic lineages (NO, PH and SO) within its native range, with strong genetic differentiation between these lineages. Genetic relationships based on mitochondrial DNA between the native and invasive samples indicated that Panama samples used in this study were derived from NO lineage. Ecological niche modelling shows a wide range of suitable habitats in the northern and central regions of South America, suggesting that B. subaeneus has the potential to expand further south from the northern regions of South America.

This study revealed the genetic structure of B. subaeneus in its native range, inferred the possible geographical origin of invasive populations, and indicated the potential invasion areas for the bean bug. Our findings in this study could provide new insights into the monitoring and management efforts of this invasive pest. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.