Complex invasion history of the Asian long-horned beetle: fifteen years after first detection in Europe

Authors: JAVAL, MARION - INRA- SITE D'ORLEANS UNITE DE ZOOLOGIE FORESTIERE; ROQUES, ALAIN - INRA- SITE D'ORLEANS UNITE DE ZOOLOGIE FORESTIERE; HARAN, JULIEN - CENTRO DE COOPERATION INTERNATIONALE EN RECHERCHE AGRONOMIQUE POUR LE DEVELOPMENT (CIRAD); HERARD, FRANCK - EUROPEAN BIOLOGICAL CONTROL LABORATORY (EBCL); KEENA, MELODY - FOREST SERVICE (FS); ROUX, GERALDINE - UNIVERSITÉ D'ORLÉANS (ORLEANS UNIVERSITY)

Submitted to: Journal of Pest Science
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/1/2017
Publication Date: 9/19/2017
Citation: Javal, M., Roques, A., Haran, J., Herard, F., Keena, M., Roux, G. 2017. Complex invasion history of the Asian long-horned beetle: fifteen years after first detection in Europe. Journal of Pest Science. 1-15. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10340-017-0917-1.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10340-017-0917-1

Interpretive Summary: The Asian longhorned beetle (ALB) is an invasive species originating from Eastern Asia that attacks many species of deciduous trees in North America and Europe. Beetles larvae bore into the trees and eventually kill them. It is established in five states of the northeastern USA, and nine European countries. Studies of the characteristics of the previous invasions are essential to predict potential invasion routes and to know how to manage new infestations. Molecular biology studies based on mitochondrial barcode gene (COI) permitted us to show the genetic structure of ALB populations in Asia and in the invaded range, focusing particularly on the European infestations. Analyses revealed nine distinct haplotypes in Europe that diverge by no more than six mutational steps. European structure was characterized by one widespread dominant haplotype. The results suggested a complex invasion scenario including several primary introductions followed by unexpected movements of subpopulations resulting very likely from transportation of infested material by people.

Technical Abstract: The Asian longhorned beetle (ALB) is a Cerambycidae species native to East Asia accidentally introduced to other continents via solid wood packing material. It was first detected in Europe in 2001 and since then infestations have been found in nine European countries. In order to manage and deal with any new introductions, it is crucial to explore the characteristics of the invasion, such as number of introductions and potential invasion routes. Using a 485 bp-long fragment of the mitochondrial barcode gene (COI), we assessed the genetic structure of ALB populations in both native and invaded ranges, with a specific focus on Europe. Analyses revealed nine distinct haplotypes in Europe that diverge by no more than six mutational steps. European structure was characterized by one widespread dominant haplotype. Finally, the overall genetic structure observed in Europe suggested a complex invasion scenario that may include several introduction events followed by dispersal within the invaded range.