Research Article

Molecular identification and biodiversity of wireworm species, Agriotes spp. Eschscholtz, 1829 (Coleoptera: Elateridae) in major potato cultivated areas of Türkiye

Volume: 47 Number: 2 July 20, 2023
TR EN

Molecular identification and biodiversity of wireworm species, Agriotes spp. Eschscholtz, 1829 (Coleoptera: Elateridae) in major potato cultivated areas of Türkiye

Abstract

Wireworms, Agriotes spp. Eschscholtz, 1829 (Coleoptera: Elateridae) are among the most harmful soil-borne insect pests and significantly reduce potato yields under heavy infestations. The presence of wireworm species on potatoes in potato growing areas is not fully known in the provinces of Türkiye. Therefore, this research aimed to identify wireworms molecularly and evaluate their biodiversity in potato growing ecosystems. Here, the first extensive field survey was carried out in Türkiye's principal potato-growing regions in 2019 and 2020 (Afyon, Bolu, İzmir, Kayseri, Konya, Niğde, and Sivas). Species identification of wireworms was performed using DNA barcoding approach based on the fragment of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI). Samples were collected from 400 potato fields, and 510 larval specimens were obtained. The presence of wireworms was confirmed for Afyon, Bolu, Kayseri, Konya, and Sivas provinces, with an average prevalence of 13.5%, while no positive samples were recovered from Niğde and İzmir. Agriotes sputator (L.,1758) (Coleoptera: Elateridae) was the most prevalent species in surveyed areas. The Shannon index of wireworm species was found to be as 0.59, which implies a low degree of biodiversity of wireworms in potato fields.

Keywords

Supporting Institution

The Scientific and Technological Council of Türkiye (TUBITAK/ TOVAG)

Project Number

Grant Project No: 115R025

Thanks

The authors thank to the Scientific and Technological Council of Türkiye (TUBITAK/ TOVAG) for the financial support.

References

  1. Andrews, K. R., A. Gerritsen, A. Rashed, D. W. Crowder, S. I. Rondon, W. G. van Herk & S. S. Hunter, 2020. Wireworm (Coleoptera: Elateridae) genomic analysis reveals putative cryptic species, population structure and adaptation to pest control. Communications Biology, 3 (1): 1-13.
  2. Benefer, C. M., W. G. Van Herk, J. S. Ellis, R. P. Blackshaw, R. S. Vernon & M. E. Knight, 2013. The molecular identification and genetic diversity of economically important wireworm species (Coleoptera: Elateridae) in Canada. Journal of Pest Science, 86 (1): 19-27.
  3. Cate, P. C., 2007. Family Elateridae Leach, 1815 (Cebrioninae, Lissominae, Subprotelaterinae). Catalogue of Palaearctic Coleoptera, 4: 94-207.
  4. Cherry, R., 2007. Seasonal population dynamics of wireworms (Coleoptera: Elateridae) in Florida sugarcane fields. Florida Entomologist, 90 (3): 426-430.
  5. Etzler, F. E., K. W. Wanner, A. Morales-Rodriguez & M. A. Ivie, 2014. DNA barcoding to improve the species-level management of wireworms (Coleoptera: Elateridae). Journal of Economic Entomology, 107 (4): 1476-1485.
  6. Folmer, O., W. R. Hoeh, M. B. Black & R. C. Vrijenhoek, 1994. Conserved primers for PCR amplification of mitochondrial DNA from different invertebrate phyla. Molecular Marine Biology and Biotechnology, 3 (5): 294-299.
  7. Furlan, L. & M. Tóth, 2007. Occurrence of click beetle pest (Coleoptera, Elateridae) in Europe as detected by pheromone traps: Survey results of 1998-2006. IOBC/WPRS Bulletin, 30 (7): 1-19.
  8. Furlan, L., 1998. The biology of Agriotes ustulatus Schäller (Col., Elateridae). II. Larval development, pupation, whole cycle description and practical implications. Journal of Applied Entomology, 122 (1‐5): 71-78.

Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Entomology , Entomology in Agriculture , Plant Protection (Other)

Journal Section

Research Article

Early Pub Date

July 17, 2023

Publication Date

July 20, 2023

Submission Date

February 27, 2023

Acceptance Date

July 7, 2023

Published in Issue

Year 2023 Volume: 47 Number: 2

APA
Gümüş Askar, A., Yüksel, E., Dinçer, D., Özer, G., İmren, M., Canhilal, R., & Kütük, H. (2023). Molecular identification and biodiversity of wireworm species, Agriotes spp. Eschscholtz, 1829 (Coleoptera: Elateridae) in major potato cultivated areas of Türkiye. Turkish Journal of Entomology, 47(2), 225-233. https://doi.org/10.16970/entoted.1257083

Cited By