Determination of structure and population genetic variation of Leptoglossus zonatus (Heteroptera: Coreidae) from the analysis microgenomics

Abstract

Brazil stands as the largest worldwide producer of grains, however, it is estimated that between 20 and 30% loss in production in Brazil can be attributed to pests. Among the pests that attack crops, we highlight the Heteroptera, because some species show polyphagia and adaptation to different food sources may cause injuries in different parts of the plant and to transmit other pathogens leading to a decrease in production and generating large losses for producers of economically important crops. The Heteroptera are the largest and most diverse group with some 40,000 species and worldwide distribution. There is currently a major debate regarding the classification of the Heteroptera, and knowledge of the Brazilian fauna is far from ideal, many taxa of great importance and diversity are poorly understood, allied to this are few studies involving natural enemies of cultivated plants, as those relating to diversity and genetic variation. The use of molecular markers as a tool for studying genetic diversity among individuals within and between populations or related species of Heteroptera can detect restrictions on gene flow between populations coupled with the geographic distribution of these species has an important role in determining the evolution and local adaptation of them, including the detection of developing resistance to insecticides, which can determine the establishment of host races, important information for effective pest control. This project aims at the determination and identification of different haplotypes observed for the COI gene regions, P450 and D2 variable region of the nuclear 28S gene and subsequent determination of the structure and population genetic variability of specimens belonging to the family Leptoglossus zonatus Coreidae from microgenomics analysis. (AU)