Assessing Genetic Diversity of Lygus Pest Species in Crop and Non-Crop Habitats

Researcher:

Dr. Robert Foottit and Dr. P. Mason, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), Ottawa, ON, Dr. L. Braun, AAFC, Saskatoon SK & Dr. H. Carcamo, AAFC, Lethbridge AB

Project Code:

CARP 2002-25

Final Report:

September 2004

Summary:

Several Lygus species are an important pest of many crops in Canada, particularly of canola and seed alfalfa, including the principal species Lygus lineolaris or Tarnished Plant Bug. The overall objective of this project was to determine the genetic structure of Lygus species populations in western Canada using an array of molecular markers, and to determine the overall geographic differences and any crop and non-crop differences in genetic diversity of each species. Analysis of genotypic patterns within L. lineolaris based on extensive geographic and host plant based sampling, uncovered the presence of 2 major genotypes. The presence of major genotypic differences among populations of Lygus lineolaris has implications for the future management of this pest.