Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of the Invasive Oriental Fruit Fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Burkina Faso

TL;DR

This study examines the genetic diversity and population structure of the invasive fruit fly Bactrocera dorsalis in Burkina Faso to improve pest control strategies.

Contribution

The study provides new insights into the genetic structure and high gene flow of B. dorsalis in Burkina Faso using microsatellite markers.

Findings

B. dorsalis abundance ranged from 87 to 2986 flies per trap per day across sampling sites.

High genetic diversity was observed, with an average Shannon diversity index of 0.72 per site.

Three weakly separated genetic groups were identified in the B. dorsalis population.

Abstract

Bactrocera dorsalis is a highly invasive fruit fly that is of major economic importance worldwide. In Burkina Faso, it is one of the main problems associated with mango production, and it is often responsible for the loss of the whole harvest in the most affected areas. Innovative strategies are being developed to improve the current means of controlling this pest. The aim of this study was to understand the distribution, diversity, and genetic structure of B. dorsalis in Burkina Faso. Male B. dorsalis were collected transversally in Burkina Faso in July 2021. The results showed that the abundance of B. dorsalis varied from 87 to 2986 flies per trap per day at the different sampling sites. The genetic variability was high at all sites, with an average Shannon diversity index of 0.72 per site. The migration rates were high between the study populations and ranged from 10.62 to 27.53 migrants. A genetic structural analysis identified three weakly separated genetic groups in the population of B. dorsalis in Burkina Faso. The results of this study will help to better guide control interventions against this pest.

Bactrocera dorsalis Hendel is a highly invasive horticultural pest that is of major economic importance worldwide. In Burkina Faso, it is one of the main insect pests that affects the production and exportation of mangos. Understanding the biology and the genetic dynamics of this insect pest provides crucial information for the development of effective control measures. The aim of this study was to understand the distribution, diversity, and genetic structure of B. dorsalis in Burkina Faso. Male flies were collected transversally in Burkina Faso and analyzed by PCR using 10 microsatellite markers. The results showed an abundance of B. dorsalis varying from 87 to 2986 flies per trap per day at the different sampling sites. The genetic diversity was high at all sites, with an average Shannon’s Information Index (I) of 0.72 per site. The gene flow was high between study populations and ranged from 10.62 to 27.53 migrants. Bayesian admixture analysis showed no evidence of structure, while Discriminant Analysis of Principal Components identified three weakly separated clusters in the population of B. dorsalis in Burkina Faso. The results of this study could be used to optimize the effectiveness of current control interventions and to guide the implementation of new, innovative, and sustainable strategies.

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