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ARS Home » Northeast Area » Newark, Delaware » Beneficial Insects Introduction Research Unit » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #406811

Research Project: Biological Control for Management of Invasive Pest Management, Emphasizing Brown Marmorated Stink Bug, Spotted Wing Drosophila and other Invasive Insect Pests of Crops

Location: Beneficial Insects Introduction Research Unit

Title: Compatibility of released and adventive populations of Ganaspis kimorum Buffington, 2024, (Cynipoidea, Figitidae), parasitoid of the spotted-wing drosophila Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura, 1931)

Author
item STAHL, JUDITH - University Of California Berkeley
item LISI, FABRIZIO - University Of Catania
item SAMARIN, THALIANA - University Of California Berkeley
item Wang, Xingeng
item BEERS, ELIZABETH - Washington State University
item DAANE, KENT - University Of California Berkeley

Submitted to: Journal of Hymenoptera Research
Publication Type: Other
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/5/2024
Publication Date: 12/10/2024
Citation: Stahl, J.M., Lisi, F., Samarin, T., Wang, X., Beers, E.H., Daane, K.M. 2024. Compatibility of released and adventive populations of Ganaspis kimorum Buffington, 2024, (Cynipoidea, Figitidae), parasitoid of the spotted-wing drosophila Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura, 1931). Journal of Hymenoptera Research. 97:1403-1415. https://doi.org/10.3897/jhr.97.137087.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3897/jhr.97.137087

Interpretive Summary: The spotted-wing drosophila fly is native to eastern Asia but has also become widely established in the Americas and Europe, and part of Africa, where it has become the most serious pest of berries and other small fruits. A parasitic wasp that is the fly’s major natural enemy in Asia has been approved and released since 2022 across the US. At the same time, adventive population of the seemingly same species has established in the Pacific Northwest. Here, we compared the biological and molecular compatibility of the introduced and adventive populations. Our results showed that both populations could successfully crossed to produce female offspring. Both populations also displayed a high molecular similarity. These findings confirm the taxonomic identity of the adventive population and may help to predict field releases of this parasitoid in North America.

Technical Abstract: The taxonomy and host association of Ganaspis cf brasiliensis (Ihering) (Hymenoptera: Figitidae) has been closely studied as a parasitoid of the invasive spotted-wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) (Diptera: Drosophilidae). Initially, five genetic groups (G1-G5) were proposed that suggested a complex of cryptic species that vary in host range and distribution. What was referred to as the “G1” strain was later approved for release as a classical biological control agent in both the United States and Europe. Concurrently, an adventive population of G. cf brasiliensis was found in British Columbia, Canada and is spreading through parts of North America. Here, we compare the biological and molecular compatibility of G1 (collected in Tokyo) material being released in North America and Europe with the adventive population found in the Pacific Northwest. Crossing experiments were conducted with the G1 Tokyo and an adventive population (collected in Washington state). Results showed successful mating and the production of female offspring, indicating reproductive compatibility between G1 Tokyo and adventive Washington populations. For both populations, the mitochondrial COI gene was sequenced and revealed that G1 Tokyo and adventive Washington populations were closely related and similar to previously reported G1 populations of G. brasiliensis. These findings improve the understanding of the reproductive status and taxonomic identity of G. brasiliensis and may help to predict field releases in North America.