Larval transcriptomic response to host plants in two related phytophagous lepidopteran species: implications for host specialization and species divergence.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Most phytophagous insects have morphological, behavioral and physiological adaptations allowing them to specialize on one or a few plant species. Identifying the mechanisms involved in host plant specialization is crucial to understand the role of divergent selection between different environments in species diversification, and to identify sustainable targets for the management of insect pest species. In the present study, we measured larval phenotypic and transcriptomic responses to host plants in two related phytophagous lepidopteran species: the European corn borer (ECB), a worldwide pest of maize, and the adzuki bean borer (ABB), which feeds of various dicotyledons. Our aim was to identify the genes and functions underlying host specialization and/or divergence betw

SUBMITTER: Orsucci M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5907310 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature