Survey of Dispersal and Genetic Variability of Tectococcus ovatus (Heteroptera: Eriococcidae) in the Regions of Natural Occurrence of Psidium cattleianum (Myrtaceae)

The species Psidium cattleianum L. is considered one of the greatest threats to the ecosystem and biodiversity of the islands of Hawaii. Seeking to control its dissemination, techniques of biological control were used. Among the various species studied, as a biological agent control, Tectococcus ovatus Hempel showed a higher level of specificity. This work had as aim to verify the existence of genetic variability among and inside the different populations of T. ovatus , using the technique of PCR-RAPD. The analyses were made from females collected in the states of Rio de Janeiro, Parana, Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil. From the eight initiators of PCR-RAPD tested, four were used in the analyses, revealing monomorphic and polymorphic markers with a variable frequency, to the individuals of one place as well as to the individuals of different places. Through the analysis of the grouping of molecular characterization it was possible to verify a formation of two distinctive groups A and B presenting a genetic variability/variable of 44%. The results obtained through the analysis of markers RAPD were useful in the verifying of variation and provided safe information about the levels of variability and similarity amongst and inside the different populations of T. ovatus .