Genetic Diversity and Connectivity in Iranian Populations of Plutella xylostella (Linnaeus, 1758) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae)

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Fatemeh Abdolahadi 1
Majid Kazzazi 2
Leila Zanganeh 3
1 Iranian Research Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran.
2 Department of Plant Protection, School of Agriculture, Buali Sina University, Hamedan, Islamic Republic of Iran.
3 Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Islamic Republic of Iran.
Abstract
Understanding pest population genetics is vital for management strategies. This study examines the genetic diversity and structure of Plutella xylostella (Linnaeus, 1758) a major global pest, across eight rapeseed-producing provinces in Iran, where comprehensive national-scale data are currently lacking. A total of 72 individuals from 24 sampling sites in eight major rapeseed (Brassica napus) producing provinces were analyzed based on a 509-bp fragment of the cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene. A total of 20 distinct haplotypes were identified, indicating high haplotype (Hd= 0.975) and nucleotide diversity (π= 0.01276). Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed that the majority of genetic variation was distributed within populations (56.9%), while the remaining variation was attributed to differences among populations within provinces (14.8%) and among provinces (28.3%). The relatively high fixation index (FST= 0.43) indicated significant genetic differentiation among populations. Isolation-by-distance analysis showed a weak correlation between genetic and geographic distances (R²= 0.126), implying that factors other than simple geographic distance may influence population structure. However, because mitochondrial markers cannot distinguish between natural dispersal and human-mediated movement, inferences regarding gene flow should be made cautiously. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the genetic diversity and population structure of P. xylostella in Iran and highlights the need for future studies incorporating nuclear markers or genome-wide approaches to better understand dispersal dynamics and resistance evolution.

Keywords

Subjects

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Available Online from 11 May 2026