Host‐associated genetic differentiation in pecan leaf phylloxera

• DOI: 10.1111/j.1570-7458.2012.01250.x
• Publication Date: 2012-04-10T10:18:16Z
• Authors: Aaron M. Dickey; Raul F. Medina
• Keywords: Phylloxera

Abstract Host‐associated differentiation (HAD) is the formation of genetically distinct host‐associated populations. One genotypic signatures HAD that populations exhibit stronger by host‐plant species than geographic isolation. HAD, as a mechanism promoting ecological speciation, has been invoked to explain phytophagous insect diversity. Two traits proposed promote are endophagy and parthenogenesis. Using amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs), we tested for presence in pecan leaf phylloxera, Phylloxera notabilis Pergande (Hemiptera: Phylloxeridae), an endophagous, gall inducing, cyclically parthenogenetic on sympatric water hickory at mesoscale. This shows strong HAD. Whereas effect collecting site was significant, accounting 7.3% molecular variation, identity accounted 63.5%. In addition, choice test indicated phylloxera originating from showed weak but significant preference leaflets natal host, whereas did not. first such study arboreal Phylloxeridae, poorly known group. also endophage second parthenogen shared these two show evidence system could be good parthenogen‐rich counterpoint goldenrod communities.