Lack of reproductive isolation in Helicoverpa gelotopoeon (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) populations from different host plant species in Argentina
Abstract
Helicoverpa gelotopoeon (Dyar) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a polyphagous pest that belongs to the Heliothinae complex, and has been described as feeding on numerous crops. Larvae damage mainly pods and seeds of soybean and other legumes. Adaptation to different host plants might reduce gene flow between phytophagous insect populations, which could lead to reproductive isolation. Therefore, studies on gene flow among host-associated populations are necessary to design management strategies. The objective of this study was to evaluate reproductive compatibility between 2 populations of H. gelotopoeon coming from different host plants. We collected H. gelotopoeon larvae in alfalfa and soybean crops, and studied biological and reproductive parameters, and mating compatibility. Helicoverpa gelotopoeon populations from soybean and alfalfa reared on artificial diet showed similar biological and reproductive characteristics. Intra- and inter-population crosses revealed that there are no signs of hostassociated isolation, allowing gene exchange between these populations, which can be explained by the high mobility and generalist behavior of this species. This information will be useful to establish control measures for this pest.
Resumen
Helicoverpa gelotopoeon (Dyar) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) es una plaga polífaga que pertenece al complejo de Heliothinae y fue descripta alimentándose sobre numerosos cultivos. Las larvas dañan principalmente las vainas y los granos de soja y otras leguminosas. La adaptación a diferentes plantas hospederas podría reducir el flujo entre poblaciones de insectos fitófagos, lo cual podría conducir a un aislamiento reproductivo. Por lo tanto, estudios sobre el flujo entre poblaciones asociadas a plantas hospederas son necesarios para diseñar estrategias de manejo. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la compatibilidad reproductiva entre 2 poblaciones de H. gelotopoeon provenientes de diferentes plantas hospederas. Nosotros recolectamos larvas de H. gelotopoeon en los cultivos de alfalfa y soja y estudiamos los parámetros biológicos, reproductivos y la compatibilidad reproductiva. Las poblaciones de H. gelotopoeon de soja y alfalfa criadas sobre dieta artificial mostraron características biológicas y reproductivas similares. Las cruzas dentro y entre poblaciones revelaron que no hay signos de aislamientos asociados a la planta hospedera, favoreciendo el intercambio de genes entre estas poblaciones, lo cual puede ser explicado por la alta movilidad y el comportamiento generalista de esta especie. Esta información será útil para establecer medidas para esta plaga.
Key Words: phytophagous insects; South American bollworm; host adaptation; reproductive compatibility
View this article in BioOne https://doi.org/10.1653/024.102.0201
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