ISSR marker based population genetic study of mediterranean fruit fly Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae)

Abstract

The Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata, is a serious pest of agricultural resources. Despite its economic importance, the population genetic structure of this species is still poorly investigated at micro-geographical level, especially from eastern Mediterranean basin. Knowledge about the genetic structure of C. capitata populations is a necessary requisite for understanding population history of the species and designing successful regional eradication programs. In the current study, the inter-simple sequences repeat (ISSR) markers were employed to assess the genetic diversity and population structure of seven natural populations of C. capitata that were collected from different regions of Turkey. Low to moderate levels of genetic diversity were observed. The estimated values for gene flow (Nm) and coefficient of genetic differentiation among populations (GST) were 3.07 and 0.14, respectively. The results of Principle Component Analysis (PCoA) and Unweighted Pair Group Arithmetic Mean Analysis (UPGMA) tend to be uniform in whole, the Antalya populations was clearly separated from the rest. Local environmental conditions, such as differences in pest control management strategies, agricultural practices, microclimates and human mediated transportations might be important factors in shaping the genetic structure of this species in Antalya. This paper provides useful data for understanding population genetic structure of C. capitata populations in eastern Mediterranean basin and development of effective regional pest management strategies. © Serbian Genetics Society.