Molecular screening of herbivorous flies collected from Hydrilla verticillata across China and Korea - setting up hypotheses for further exploratory surveys and tests

Publication date: Available online 25 July 2019Source: Biological ControlAuthor(s): Graham A. McCulloch, Matthew F. Purcell, Nathan E. Harms, Michael J. Grodowitz, Jialiang Zhang, Hong Sun-Hee, Gimme H. WalterAbstractBiological control is considered the best management option against the aquatic weed Hydrilla verticillata, one of the most damaging invasive plants in the United States. The search for natural enemies is ongoing. Larval flies from two families (Ephydridae and Chironomidae) were collected feeding on H. verticillata during recent surveys across China and Korea (the possible origin of both the monoecious and dioecious forms of this weed found in the United States). DNA barcoding was used to provide initial identifications, using the Barcode of Life database. In addition, we assessed the genetic structuring and geographic distribution of each provisionally identified species. Four distinct Hydrellia (Ephydridae) clades were identified. The species identity of these clades could not be confirmed, although two form part of the Hydrellia pakistanae species group. Significant genetic structuring was observed within the most widespread clade, suggesting it may comprise several species, although further investigation is required. Fourteen distinct chironomid clades were identified, nine of which correspond to previously described species. Genetic diversity within the chironomid species was low, even across a broad spatial scale, though some genetic structuring was observe...
Source: Biological Control - Category: Biology Source Type: research