TITLE:
Genetic Characterization of Populations of the Global Invasive Agricultural Pest Bactrocera dorsalis (Diptera: Tephritidae)
AUTHORS:
Toffène Diome, Madeleine Ivonne Mendy, Ablaye Faye, Toihir Mahadi, Mamecor Faye, Mbacké Sembène
KEYWORDS:
Bactrocera dorsalis, Genetic Diversity, Population Structure, COI
JOURNAL NAME:
Advances in Entomology,
Vol.14 No.2,
April
28,
2026
ABSTRACT: Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel, 1912), also known as the oriental fruit fly, is one of the most invasive agricultural pests worldwide. We analyzed 351 mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene sequences. The genetic diversity of individuals from 19 populations across four continents (Africa, America, Asia, Oceania) was assessed. Our results revealed high haplotype diversity but low nucleotide diversity. AMOVA indicates that most of the genetic variation occurs within populations. Genetic differentiation is low, and the Mantel test showed no correlation between genetic and geographic distance. Demographic analyses suggested a recent expansion of Asian populations, whereas African and island populations exhibited signatures of founder effects or stability. Phylogenetic analysis showed two clades: one predominantly Asian and the other heterogeneous, including populations from all four continents. The existence of two clades, one of which is essentially Asian and the other heterogeneous, integrates the four continents. Overall, these findings enhance our understanding of invasion dynamics and may inform targeted management strategies against this pest.