Genes, gene flow and adaptation of Diabrotica virgifera virgifera

Diabrotica virgifera virgifera has emerged as a major pest of cultivated maize, due to a combination of its high capacity to inflict economic damage, adaptability to pest management techniques and invasiveness. 2 This review presents a survey of the current state of knowledge about the genetics of D. v. virgifera . In addition, the tools and resources currently available to Diabrotica geneticists are identified, as are areas where knowledge is lacking and research should be prioritized. 3 A substantial amount of information has been published concerning the molecular phylogenetic relationships of D. v. virgifera to other chrysomelids. 4 There is a growing literature focused on the population genetics and evolution of the species. Several adaptations to anthropogenic selection pressure have been studied, with resistance to synthetic insecticides providing some particularly well-characterized examples. 5 A notable deficiency is a lack of studies directed toward the formal genetics of D. v. virgifera .