Project Number: 5442-22000-035-00
Project Type: Appropriated

Start Date: May 25, 2003
End Date: Aug 31, 2005

Objective:
Provide molecular genetic data defining biosystematics and population diversity (including Wolbachia dispersal) of pest and beneficial insects such as Diabrotica, Aphthona, Lygus et al. Determine the molecular mechanisms of diapause initiation and termination in insects especially leaf beetles and pollinators. Identify conserved sequence motifs associated with diapause specific genes, determine if products (e.g. noncoding RNAs) are produced, and examine the distribution and diversity of the sequences across insect species.

Approach:
Measure nuclear genetic diversity using microsatellite and AFLP markers. Use mtDNA PCR-RFLP and sequencing to quantitate additional diversity and identify species. Monitor the movement of Wolbachia strain boundaries over several seasons. Define the level of competition between insects infected with different Wolbachia strains and correlate Wolbachia infection, mtDNA genotype, and sex ratio. Identify and Characterize genes differentially expressed in diapause and non-diapause insects. Use interfering RNA (iRNA) experiments to determine the significance of key genes in diapause physiology. Measure respiration quotients at different temperatures and stages of diapause to determine the transition from a diapause respiration pattern to a nondiapause pattern. Conduct comparative study of diapause-specific genes and their regulatory elements in other insects based on primers derived from the original Colorado potato beetle diapause regulated genes.

Project Team

Roehrdanz, Richard Yocum, George

Project Annual Reports

FY 2003

Related National Programs

Plant, Microbial & Insect Genetic Res., Genomics, & Genetic Improv. I (301)   Crop Protection & Quarantine (304)

Related Projects

GENETIC VARIATION, PHYLOGEOGRAPHY AND MOLECULAR SYSTEMATICS OF LYGUS SP.    MECHANISMS REGULATING DIAPAUSE IN THE SUGARBEET ROOT MAGGOT, TETANOPS MYOPAEFORMIS