Project Number: 1926-22000-019-07
Project Type: Specific Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: Dec 01, 2005
End Date: Nov 30, 2007

Objective:
The objectives of this cooperative research project are to: (1) study the patterns of genetic variation in the Asian Longhorn beetle (ALB): (a) on a broad geographic scale, that will document patterns of population structure among natural ALB populations in China and infer the likely origins of invasive populations in Chicago, New York, New Jersey and Toronto; and (b) on a finer scale, attempt to document patterns of year-to-year colonization of host trees through analysis of genetic relatedness in one invasive population (Toronto); (2) integrate these genetic data with recorded environmental parameters to look for correlations with colonization and dispersal; (3) develop predictive spatiotemporal models (e.g. population spread and host colonization) for use in directing the implementation of IPM strategies for existing introductions, as well as to aid in developing proactive approaches that will increase the probability of early detection and rapid eradication of this and other invasive species, thereby reducing the risk of establishment, proliferation and geographic spread.

Approach:
Asian Longhorn beetles (ALB) in North America represent founder events, in which small numbers of individuals have established populations outside of their natural range. Individual invasive populations are either independent introduction events or represent dispersal (natural or anthropogenic) within North America. Invasive populations may result from relatively few introduced individuals. The result of such a genetic bottleneck will be a reduction in allele number and heterozygosity at polymorphic loci, and changes in allele frequencies and allelic combinations. These changes in genotype in a novel environment could lead to changes in natural history and biology as reflected in phenotype. Therefore, the proposed work is a joint effort to study the patterns of genetic variation of this very important invasive species at different spatial scales. On a broad geographic scale, we will use DNA sequence data to document population structure of natural ALB populations in China and infer the likely origins of invasive populations in Chicago, New York, New Jersey and Toronto. On a finer scale, we will use AFLP data to determine genetic relatedness in one invasive population (Toronto). We will then integrate these genetic data with recorded environmental parameters to look for correlations with colonization and dispersal.