Multiple Transatlantic Introductions of the Western Corn Rootworm

• DOI: 10.1126/science.1115871
• Publication Date: 2005-11-10T22:33:25Z
• Authors: Nicholas Miller; Arnaud Estoup; Stefan Toepfer; Denis Bourguet; Laurent Lapchin; Sylvie Derridj; Kyung Seok Kim; Philippe Reynaud; Lorenzo Furlan; Thomas Guillemaud
• Keywords: Western corn rootworm; Western europe; European corn borer

The invasion of Europe by the western corn rootworm, North America's most destructive pest, is ongoing and represents a serious threat to European agriculture. Because this pest was initially introduced in Central Europe, it believed that subsequent outbreaks Western originated from area. Using model-based Bayesian analyses genetic variability we demonstrate belief false: There have been at least three independent introductions America during past two decades. This result raises questions about changing circumstances enabled sudden burst transatlantic introductions.