Bactrocera zonata is a highly invasive agricultural pest that causes extensive damage to fruit crops.The Sterile Insect Technique(SIT),a species-specific and environmentally friendly pest control method,significantly ...Bactrocera zonata is a highly invasive agricultural pest that causes extensive damage to fruit crops.The Sterile Insect Technique(SIT),a species-specific and environmentally friendly pest control method,significantly benefits from the availability of Genetic Sexing Strains(GSSs)that enable efficient mass production of males for sterile release.However,no GSS currently exists for B.zonata limiting SIT applications targeting this important invasive pest.Here,we report two key advancements toward GSS development in this species.First,we present a high-quality,chromosome-level genome assembly from male B.zonata,identifying two scaffolds derived from the Y chromosome,which represent potential targets for future male-specific genetic engineering.Second,we demonstrate the feasibility of CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing in B.zonata by generating stable,homozygous white-eye mutants through targeted disruption of the conserved white-eye gene.This visible,recessive phenotype serves as a proof-of-concept for developing selectable markers in this species.Together,these results provide foundational genomic and genetic tools to support the development of GSSs in B.zonata,advancing the potential for sustainable,genetics-based pest control strategies.展开更多
基金Funding was provided by the European Union’s Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Program(REACTgrant agreement number 101059523 to PAP,GP and KM)the US-Israel Binational Agricultural Research and Development Fund(BARD-grant agreement number IS-5590-23 to PAP,GP,AH)+3 种基金the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Zelman Cowen Academic Initiatives(ZCAI Joint Project 2021 number 0456 to PAP and SWB)Initial support was generously provided in the form of an International Fellowship to FK from the Research Fund for International Cooperation,Robert H.Smith Faculty of Agriculture,Food and Environment,HUJI and HUJI startup funds to PAP.Genome sequencing was financially supported by the Insect Pest Control Subprogramme of the Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture,the German Research Foundation through the Middle East Cooperation project 491548882(PAP)the Canada Foundation for Innovation grants 40104 and 35444(to Ioannis Ragousis)Publication cost for this study was provided by the International Atomic Energy Agency as part of the Coordinated Research Project“Generic approach for the development of genetic sexing strains for SIT applications”。
文摘Bactrocera zonata is a highly invasive agricultural pest that causes extensive damage to fruit crops.The Sterile Insect Technique(SIT),a species-specific and environmentally friendly pest control method,significantly benefits from the availability of Genetic Sexing Strains(GSSs)that enable efficient mass production of males for sterile release.However,no GSS currently exists for B.zonata limiting SIT applications targeting this important invasive pest.Here,we report two key advancements toward GSS development in this species.First,we present a high-quality,chromosome-level genome assembly from male B.zonata,identifying two scaffolds derived from the Y chromosome,which represent potential targets for future male-specific genetic engineering.Second,we demonstrate the feasibility of CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing in B.zonata by generating stable,homozygous white-eye mutants through targeted disruption of the conserved white-eye gene.This visible,recessive phenotype serves as a proof-of-concept for developing selectable markers in this species.Together,these results provide foundational genomic and genetic tools to support the development of GSSs in B.zonata,advancing the potential for sustainable,genetics-based pest control strategies.
