Genetic diversity of the green spruce aphid (Elatobium abietinum Walker) in north-west Europe

Authors: Halldórsson, G.¹; Sigurdsson, V.¹; Thórsson, Æ. TH.²; Oddsdóttir, E. S.¹; Sigurgeirsson, A.¹; Anamthawat-Jónsson, K.²

Source: Agricultural and Forest Entomology, Volume 6, Number 1, February 2004 , pp. 31-37(7)

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

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Abstract:

1 The Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) method was used to investigate genetic diversity of anholocyclic populations of the green spruce aphid, Elatobium abietinum Walker, in north-west Europe.

2 The results showed that the aphid in this region was divided genetically into three major groups. Aphids from the British Isles and north-west France comprised the first group, the second group consisted of aphids from Denmark and Iceland, and the third group consisted of aphids from Norway.

3 The results indicated a significant level of gene flow within and between sites and geographical regions, especially in the British Isles and north-west France. Lateral migration of the aphid and/or sexual reproduction is likely to have facilitated the gene flow.

4 The implications of these findings on management of the green spruce aphid are discussed.

Keywords: Aphid; Elatobium abietinum; RAPD; spruce; genetic differentiation

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1461-9555.2004.00199.x

Affiliations: 1: Iceland Forest Research, Mógilsá, Reykjavík, IS-116, Iceland and 2: Institute of Biology, University of Iceland, Grensásvegi 12, Reykjavík, IS-108 Iceland

Publication date: 2004-02-01