ISSN:
1570-7458
Keywords:
Barbarea vulgaris
;
Cruciferae
;
Phyllotreta nemorum
;
Chrysomelidae
;
Alticinae
;
flea beetle
;
plant defence
;
genetics
;
sex-linkage
;
X- and Y-chromosome
;
evolution
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Abstract A polymorphism in host plant exploitation has been discovered in the flea beetle, Phyllotreta nemorum L. (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Alticinae) where one resistant population is able to use Barbarea vulgaris R.Br. ssp. arcuata (Opiz.) Simkovics (Brassicaceae) as a host plant while a susceptible population is not. Crosses (F1, F2, and backcrosses) between the two flea beetle populations were made, and survival of the progeny on B. v. ssp. arcuata was measured. The ability of P. nemorum larvae to survive in this plant species depended on the presence of major, dominant genes (R-genes). The two most abundant R-genes in the resistant flea beetle population were X- and Y-linked, respectively. The use of B. v. ssp. arcuata as a natural host plant by the resistant population of P. nemorum seems to be an extension of the host plant range of the species. The role of sex-linked genes in the evolution of host range is discussed.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1002938912809
