Mitochondrial markers to distinguish Spodoptera frugiperda populations associated with corn and cotton crops

Marcadores mitocondriais para diferenciar populações de Spodoptera frugiperda associadas às culturas de milho e algodão

Abstract:

The objective of this work was to analyze the genetic variability of Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) populations collected from corn and cotton crops in Brazil. The samples were analyzed by DNA markers. The dendrogram produced by the 20 RAPD primers evaluated showed a correlation between genetic profile and feeding behavior. The analysis of the mitochondrial ND1 gene allowed identifying the insect populations in both crops, and, in corn, in several geographical regions. The presented strategy allows the identification of Spodoptera frugiperda populations associated with corn and cotton crops.

Index terms:
Gossypium hirsutum; Zea mays; fall armyworm; haplotypes; ND1 gene; RAPD.