Genetic differences between Anastrepha ludens (Loew) populations stemming from a native and an exotic host in NE Mexico

The objective of this study was to determine the genetic structure of populations of the mexican fruit fly Anastrepha ludens (Loew) in NE citrus growing regions of Mexico. The work was conducted during 2005 at the Center of Genomic Biotechnology in Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico. AFLP markers using four different pairs of initiators were used on specimens collected from the native, ancestral host, yellow chapote (Casimiroa greggii S. Wats) and the exotic host, citrus (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck cv Valencia). The four combinations of initiators amplified an average of 95 AFLP fragments. A total of 382 products were obtained and 259 (67%) of them were polymorphous. The overall index of genetic diversity was 28%, with 3% difference between the genotypes collected from yellow chapote as compared to the genotypes collected from sweet orange. Cluster analysis and principal components showed a close genetic relation among A. ludens specimens regardless of the origin. Although, the dendrogram showed two main groups, the genetic distance varied from 0.0 to 10%, suggesting that despite the reproductive isolation, host groups are not evolving. These results are discussed in the context of evolution and conclude on practical implications of the ongoing eradication program through sterile insect technique and the geographical origin of this species.