Variations in attack behaviours between Glossina palpalis gambiensis and G. tachinoides in a gallery forest suggest host specificity

Tsetse flies Glossina palpalis gambiensis and G. tachinoides are among the major vectors of sleeping sickness (Human African Trypanosomiasis‐HAT) and nagana (African Animal Trypanosomiasis – AAT) in West Africa. Both riparian species occur sympatrically in gallery forests of south west Burkina Faso, but little is known of their interspecies relationships although different authors think there may be some competition between them. The aim of this study was to check if sympatric species have different strategies when approaching a host. A man placed in a sticky cube (1 m × 1 m × 1 m) and a sticky black‐blue‐black target (1 m × 1 m) were used to capture tsetse along the Comoe river banks in a Latin Square design. The number and the height at which tsetse were caught by each capture method were recorded according to species and sex. Glossina p. gambiensis was more attracted to human bait than to the target, but both species were captured at a significantly higher height on the target compared with the human bait (P < 0.05). No significant difference in heights was found between G. tachinoides and G. p. gambiensis captured on targets (33 and 35 cm, respectively, P > 0.05). However, catches on human bait showed a significant difference in height between G. tachinoides and G. p. gambiensis (22.5 and 30.6 cm, respectively, P < 0.001). This study showed that these sympatric species had different attack behaviours to humans, which is not the case with the target. The implications of these findings are discussed.     

Multiple host feeding in Glossina palpalis gambiensis and Glossina tachinoides in southeast Mali

Changes in agricultural practices and the resulting extinction of wildlife have led to the reduction or disappearance of savannah tsetse species. Riparian tsetse such as Glossina palpalis gambiensis Vanderplank 1949 and Glossina tachinoides Westwood 1850 (Diptera: Glossinidae) continue to persist in peridomestic sites, transmitting trypanosomiasis. At present, little is known about interspecies differences in feeding behaviour in these two species in southeast Mali, or of the phenomenon of multiple bloodmeals. To study these topics, 279 samples of G. p. gambiensis and G. tachinoides containing host DNA, caught in the Sikasso region between November 2008 and April 2009, were analysed by applying host species‐specific primers and sequencing. Human accounted for > 66% of G. p. gambiensis bloodmeals, whereas G. tachinoides contained in equal parts DNA of human, cattle or both, showing a significantly higher proportion of multiple host use. Further, the trypanosome infection rate was found to be three‐fold higher in G. tachinoides. Logistic regression analysis revealed double‐feeding and infection to be independent of one another, but showed infection to be correlated with engorgement in G. p. gambiensis and female sex in G. tachinoides. Enhanced host‐seeking activities paired with the high trypanosome infection rate found in G. tachinoides would indicate that this species has a higher vectorial capacity than G. p. gambiensis.     

Prevalence of trypanosomes,salivary gland hypertrophy virus and Wolbachia in wild populations of tsetse flies from West Africa

Background

Tsetse flies are vectors of African trypanosomes, protozoan parasites that cause sleeping sickness (or human African trypanosomosis) in humans and nagana (or animal African trypanosomosis) in livestock. In addition to trypanosomes, four symbiotic bacteria Wigglesworthia glossinidia, Sodalis glossinidius, Wolbachia, Spiroplasma and one pathogen, the salivary gland hypertrophy virus (SGHV), have been reported in different tsetse species. We evaluated the prevalence and coinfection dynamics between Wolbachia, trypanosomes, and SGHV in four tsetse species (Glossina palpalis gambiensis, G. tachinoides, G. morsitans submorsitans, and G. medicorum) that were collected between 2008 and 2015 from 46 geographical locations in West Africa, i.e. Burkina Faso, Mali, Ghana, Guinea, and Senegal.

Results

The results indicated an overall low prevalence of SGHV and Wolbachia and a high prevalence of trypanosomes in the sampled wild tsetse populations. The prevalence of all three infections varied among tsetse species and sample origin. The highest trypanosome prevalence was found in Glossina tachinoides (61.1%) from Ghana and in Glossina palpalis gambiensis (43.7%) from Senegal. The trypanosome prevalence in the four species from Burkina Faso was lower, i.e. 39.6% in Glossina medicorum, 18.08%; in Glossina morsitans submorsitans, 16.8%; in Glossina tachinoides and 10.5% in Glossina palpalis gambiensis. The trypanosome prevalence in Glossina palpalis gambiensis was lowest in Mali (6.9%) and Guinea (2.2%). The prevalence of SGHV and Wolbachia was very low irrespective of location or tsetse species with an average of 1.7% for SGHV and 1.0% for Wolbachia. In some cases, mixed infections with different trypanosome species were detected. The highest prevalence of coinfection was Trypanosoma vivax and other Trypanosoma species (9.5%) followed by coinfection of T. congolense with other trypanosomes (7.5%). The prevalence of coinfection of T. vivax and T. congolense was (1.0%) and no mixed infection of trypanosomes, SGHV and Wolbachia was detected.

Conclusion

The results indicated a high rate of trypanosome infection in tsetse wild populations in West African countries but lower infection rate of both Wolbachia and SGHV. Double or triple mixed trypanosome infections were found. In addition, mixed trypanosome and SGHV infections existed however no mixed infections of trypanosome and/or SGHV with Wolbachia were found.

     

Contrasting population structures of two vectors of African trypanosomoses in Burkina Faso: consequences for control

Background

African animal trypanosomosis is a major obstacle to the development of more efficient and sustainable livestock production systems in West Africa. Riverine tsetse species such as Glossina palpalis gambiensis Vanderplank and Glossina tachinoides Westwood are the major vectors. A wide variety of control tactics is available to manage these vectors, but their removal will in most cases only be sustainable if the control effort is targeting an entire tsetse population within a circumscribed area.

Methodology/Principal Findings

In the present study, genetic variation at microsatellite DNA loci was used to examine the population structure of G. p. gambiensis and G. tachinoides inhabiting four adjacent river basins in Burkina Faso, i.e. the Mouhoun, the Comoé, the Niger and the Sissili River Basins. Isolation by distance was significant for both species across river basins, and dispersal of G. tachinoides was ∼3 times higher than that of G. p. gambiensis. Thus, the data presented indicate that no strong barriers to gene flow exists between riverine tsetse populations in adjacent river basins, especially so for G. tachinoides.

Conclusions/Significance

Therefore, potential re-invasion of flies from adjacent river basins will have to be prevented by establishing buffer zones between the Mouhoun and the other river basin(s), in the framework of the PATTEC (Pan African Tsetse and Trypanosomosis Eradication Campaign) eradication project that is presently targeting the northern part of the Mouhoun River Basin. We argue that these genetic analyses should always be part of the baseline data collection before any tsetse control project is initiated.     

Prevalence of trypanosomes,salivary gland hypertrophy virus and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Wolbachia</Emphasis> in wild populations of tsetse flies from West Africa

Background

Tsetse flies are vectors of African trypanosomes, protozoan parasites that cause sleeping sickness (or human African trypanosomosis) in humans and nagana (or animal African trypanosomosis) in livestock. In addition to trypanosomes, four symbiotic bacteria Wigglesworthia glossinidia, Sodalis glossinidius, Wolbachia, Spiroplasma and one pathogen, the salivary gland hypertrophy virus (SGHV), have been reported in different tsetse species. We evaluated the prevalence and coinfection dynamics between Wolbachia, trypanosomes, and SGHV in four tsetse species (Glossina palpalis gambiensis, G. tachinoides, G. morsitans submorsitans, and G. medicorum) that were collected between 2008 and 2015 from 46 geographical locations in West Africa, i.e. Burkina Faso, Mali, Ghana, Guinea, and Senegal.

Results

The results indicated an overall low prevalence of SGHV and Wolbachia and a high prevalence of trypanosomes in the sampled wild tsetse populations. The prevalence of all three infections varied among tsetse species and sample origin. The highest trypanosome prevalence was found in Glossina tachinoides (61.1%) from Ghana and in Glossina palpalis gambiensis (43.7%) from Senegal. The trypanosome prevalence in the four species from Burkina Faso was lower, i.e. 39.6% in Glossina medicorum, 18.08%; in Glossina morsitans submorsitans, 16.8%; in Glossina tachinoides and 10.5% in Glossina palpalis gambiensis. The trypanosome prevalence in Glossina palpalis gambiensis was lowest in Mali (6.9%) and Guinea (2.2%). The prevalence of SGHV and Wolbachia was very low irrespective of location or tsetse species with an average of 1.7% for SGHV and 1.0% for Wolbachia. In some cases, mixed infections with different trypanosome species were detected. The highest prevalence of coinfection was Trypanosoma vivax and other Trypanosoma species (9.5%) followed by coinfection of T. congolense with other trypanosomes (7.5%). The prevalence of coinfection of T. vivax and T. congolense was (1.0%) and no mixed infection of trypanosomes, SGHV and Wolbachia was detected.

Conclusion

The results indicated a high rate of trypanosome infection in tsetse wild populations in West African countries but lower infection rate of both Wolbachia and SGHV. Double or triple mixed trypanosome infections were found. In addition, mixed trypanosome and SGHV infections existed however no mixed infections of trypanosome and/or SGHV with Wolbachia were found.

     

Towards an optimal design of target for tsetse control: comparisons of novel targets for the control of Palpalis group tsetse in West Africa

Background

Tsetse flies of the Palpalis group are the main vectors of sleeping sickness in Africa. Insecticide impregnated targets are one of the most effective tools for control. However, the cost of these devices still represents a constraint to their wider use. The objective was therefore to improve the cost effectiveness of currently used devices.

Methodology/Principal Findings

Experiments were performed on three tsetse species, namely Glossina palpalis gambiensis and G. tachinoides in Burkina Faso and G. p. palpalis in Côte d''Ivoire. The 1×1 m² black blue black target commonly used in W. Africa was used as the standard, and effects of changes in target size, shape, and the use of netting instead of black cloth were measured. Regarding overall target shape, we observed that horizontal targets (i.e. wider than they were high) killed 1.6-5x more G. p. gambiensis and G. tachinoides than vertical ones (i.e. higher than they were wide) (P<0.001). For the three tsetse species including G. p. palpalis, catches were highly correlated with the size of the target. However, beyond the size of 0.75 m, there was no increase in catches. Replacing the black cloth of the target by netting was the most cost efficient for all three species.

Conclusion/Significance

Reducing the size of the current 1*1 m black-blue-black target to horizontal designs of around 50 cm and replacing black cloth by netting will improve cost effectiveness six-fold for both G. p. gambiensis and G. tachinoides. Studying the visual responses of tsetse to different designs of target has allowed us to design more cost-effective devices for the effective control of sleeping sickness and animal trypanosomiasis in Africa.     

Prospects for the Development of Odour Baits to Control the Tsetse Flies Glossina tachinoides and G. palpalis s.l.

Field studies were done of the responses of Glossina palpalis palpalis in Côte d''Ivoire, and G. p. gambiensis and G. tachinoides in Burkina Faso, to odours from humans, cattle and pigs. Responses were measured either by baiting (1.) biconical traps or (2.) electrocuting black targets with natural host odours. The catch of G. tachinoides from traps was significantly enhanced (∼5×) by odour from cattle but not humans. In contrast, catches from electric targets showed inconsistent results. For G. p. gambiensis both human and cattle odour increased (>2×) the trap catch significantly but not the catch from electric targets. For G. p. palpalis, odours from pigs and humans increased (∼5×) the numbers of tsetse attracted to the vicinity of the odour source but had little effect on landing or trap-entry. For G. tachinoides a blend of POCA (P = 3-n-propylphenol; O = 1-octen-3-ol; C = 4-methylphenol; A = acetone) alone or synthetic cattle odour (acetone, 1-octen-3-ol, 4-methylphenol and 3-n-propylphenol with carbon dioxide) consistently caught more tsetse than natural cattle odour. For G. p. gambiensis, POCA consistently increased catches from both traps and targets. For G. p. palpalis, doses of carbon dioxide similar to those produced by a host resulted in similar increases in attraction. Baiting traps with super-normal (∼500 mg/h) doses of acetone also consistently produced significant but slight (∼1.6×) increases in catches of male flies. The results suggest that odour-baited traps and insecticide-treated targets could assist the AU-Pan African Tsetse and Trypanosomiasis Eradication Campaign (PATTEC) in its current efforts to monitor and control Palpalis group tsetse in West Africa. For all three species, only ∼50% of the flies attracted to the vicinity of the trap were actually caught by it, suggesting that better traps might be developed by an analysis of the visual responses and identification of any semiochemicals involved in short-range interaction.     

Two Tsetse Fly Species, Glossina palpalis gambiensis and Glossina morsitans morsitans, Carry Genetically Distinct Populations of the Secondary Symbiont Sodalis glossinidius

Genetic diversity among Sodalis glossinidius populations was investigated using amplified fragment length polymorphism markers. Strains collected from Glossina palpalis gambiensis and Glossina morsitans morsitans flies group into separate clusters, being differentially structured. This differential structuring may reflect different host-related selection pressures and may be related to the different vector competences of Glossina spp.     

Comparative study of haemagglutination activity in the haemolymph of three tsetse fly Glossina species

• 1.1. Glossina morsitans morsitans (Gmm), G. palpalis gambiensis (Gpg) and G. tachinoides (Gt) haemolymph possessed multiple, glycoproteinaceous haemagglutinins (HGN).
• 2.2. Tsetse HGN bind to human erythrocyte surface glycoprotein/glycopeptide residues or, with Gmm and Gpg anti-0 activity, glycolipid moieties.
• 3.3. Variations in HGN physico-chemical properties occurred between the morsitans (Gmm) and palpalis (Gpg and Gt), and amongst the palpalis, groups of flies with respect to relative heat-lability, susceptibility to dithiothreitol reduction, resistance to γ-radiation exposure and sensitivity to urea treatment.
• 4.4. Gt and Gmm required acid and acid to neutral conditions respectively, and Ca²⁺ ion presence, for optimum agglutination activity whilst Gpg required neutral to alkaline pH and Mg²⁺ ions.
• 5.5. The findings reported here provide further information regarding HGN (lectin) properties in different species of the genus Glossina, member of the Diptera, a little studied order with respect to insect vector immunity.

     

The Distribution and Host Shifts of Cotton-Melon Aphids in Northern China

Aphis gossypii Glover (Hemiptera: Aphididae) is a serious pest of cotton in northern China. A microsatellite analysis was used to characterize the genetic structure of A. gossypii populations from different geographic, host plant, and seasonal populations in 2014. Among 906 individuals, 507 multilocus genotypes were identified, with genotypic richness values of 0.07–1.00 for the populations. We observed moderate levels of genetic differentiation among geographic populations (F_ST = 0.103; 95% confidence interval: 0.065–0.145) and host plant populations (F_ST = 0.237; 95% confidence interval: 0.187–0.296). A Mantel test of isolation by distance revealed no significant correlations between Slatkin’s linearized F_ST and the natural logarithm of geographic distance. A Bayesian analysis of population genetic structures identified three clusters. An analysis of molecular variance revealed significant differences among the three clusters (F = 0.26596, P < 0.0001), among seasons (F = 0.04244, P = 0.00381), and among host populations (F = 0.12975, P = 0.0029). Thus, the A. gossypii populations in northern China exhibit considerable genotypic diversity. Additionally, our findings indicated that the 31 analyzed populations could be classified as one of three host biotypes (i.e., cotton, cucumber, and pomegranate biotypes). There were also clear seasonal effects on population genetic structure diversity among aphids collected from Anyang.     

Detection and characterization of Wolbachia infections in laboratory and natural populations of different species of tsetse flies (genus Glossina)

Background

Wolbachia is a genus of endosymbiotic α-Proteobacteria infecting a wide range of arthropods and filarial nematodes. Wolbachia is able to induce reproductive abnormalities such as cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI), thelytokous parthenogenesis, feminization and male killing, thus affecting biology, ecology and evolution of its hosts. The bacterial group has prompted research regarding its potential for the control of agricultural and medical disease vectors, including Glossina spp., which transmits African trypanosomes, the causative agents of sleeping sickness in humans and nagana in animals.

Results

In the present study, we employed a Wolbachia specific 16S rRNA PCR assay to investigate the presence of Wolbachia in six different laboratory stocks as well as in natural populations of nine different Glossina species originating from 10 African countries. Wolbachia was prevalent in Glossina morsitans morsitans, G. morsitans centralis and G. austeni populations. It was also detected in G. brevipalpis, and, for the first time, in G. pallidipes and G. palpalis gambiensis. On the other hand, Wolbachia was not found in G. p. palpalis, G. fuscipes fuscipes and G. tachinoides. Wolbachia infections of different laboratory and natural populations of Glossina species were characterized using 16S rRNA, the wsp (Wolbachia Surface Protein) gene and MLST (Multi Locus Sequence Typing) gene markers. This analysis led to the detection of horizontal gene transfer events, in which Wobachia genes were inserted into the tsetse flies fly nuclear genome.

Conclusions

Wolbachia infections were detected in both laboratory and natural populations of several different Glossina species. The characterization of these Wolbachia strains promises to lead to a deeper insight in tsetse flies-Wolbachia interactions, which is essential for the development and use of Wolbachia-based biological control methods.

     

Sodalis glossinidius (Enterobacteriaceae) and Vectorial Competence of Glossina palpalis gambiensis and Glossina morsitans morsitans for Trypanosoma congolense Savannah Type

Sodalis glossinidius is an endosymbiont of Glossina palpalis gambiensis and Glossina morsitans morsitans, the vectors of Trypanosoma congolense. The presence of the symbiont was investigated by PCR in Trypanosoma congolense savannah type-infected and noninfected midguts of both fly species, and into the probosces of flies displaying either mature or immature infection, to investigate possible correlation with the vectorial competence of tsetse flies. Sodalis glossinidius was detected in all midguts, infected or not, from both Glossina species. It was also detected in probosces from Glossina palpalis gambiensis flies displaying mature or immature infection, but never in probosces from Glossina morsitans morsitans. These results suggest that, a) there might be no direct correlation between the presence of Sodalis glossinidius and the vectorial competence of Glossina, and b) the symbiont is probably not involved in Trypanosoma congolense savannah type maturation. It could however participate in the establishment process of the parasite.     

Genetic evidence for the persistence of the critically endangered Sierra Nevada red fox in California

California is home to both the native state-threatened Sierra Nevada red fox (Vulpes vulpes necator), which historically inhabited high elevations of the Sierra Nevada and Cascade mountains, and to multiple low-elevation red fox populations thought to be of exotic origin. During the past few decades the lowland populations have dramatically expanded their distribution, and possibly moved into the historic range of the native high-elevation fox. To determine whether the native red fox persists in its historic range in California, we compared mitochondrial cytochrome-b haplotypes of the only currently-known high-elevation population (n = 9 individuals) to samples from 3 modern lowland populations (n = 35) and historic (1911–1941) high-elevation (n = 22) and lowland (n = 7) populations. We found no significant population differentiation among the modern and historic high-elevation populations (average pairwise F _ST = 0.06), but these populations differed substantially from all modern and historic lowland populations (average pairwise F _ST = 0.52). Among lowland populations, the historic and modern Sacramento Valley populations were not significantly differentiated from one another (F _ST = −0.06), but differed significantly from recently founded populations in the San Francisco Bay region and in southern California (average pairwise F _ST = 0.42). Analysis of molecular variance indicated that 3 population groupings (mountain, Sacramento Valley, and other lowland regions) explained 45% of molecular variance (F _CT = 0.45) whereas only 4.5% of the variance was partitioned among populations within these groupings (F _SC = 0.08). These findings provide strong evidence that the native Sierra Nevada red fox has persisted in northern California. However, all nine samples from this population had the same haplotype, suggesting that several historic haplotypes may have become lost. Unidentified barriers have apparently prevented gene flow from the Sacramento Valley population to other eastern or southern populations in California. Future studies involving nuclear markers are needed to assess the origin of the Sierra Nevada red fox and to quantify levels of nuclear gene flow.     

Conservation of long-lived perennial forest herbs in an urban context: <Emphasis Type="Italic">Primula elatior</Emphasis> as study case

Urban forests are generally fragmented in small isolated remnants, embedded in an inhospitable human-used matrix, and incur strong anthropogenic pressures (recreational activities, artificialization, pollution and eutrophication). These lead to particularly high constraints even for common forest herbs, whose genetic response may depend on life-history traits and population demographic status. This study investigated genetic variation and structure for 20 allozyme loci in 14 populations of Primula elatior, a self-incompatible long-lived perennial herb, occurring in forest fragments of Brussels urban zone (Belgium), in relation to population size and young plants recruitment rate. Urban populations of P. elatior were not genetically depauperate, but the small populations showed reduced allelic richness. Small populations showing high recruitment rates—and therefore potential rejuvenation—revealed lower genetic diversity (H _o and H _e) than those with low or no recruitment. No such pattern was observed for the large populations. There was a significant genetic differentiation among populations within forest fragments (F _SC = 0.052, P < 0.001), but not between fragments (F _CT = 0.002, P > 0.10). These findings suggest restricted gene flow among populations within fragments and local processes (genetic drift, inbreeding) affecting small populations, strengthened when there is recruitment. Urban forest populations of long-lived perennial herbs can be of conservation value. However, restoration of small populations by increasing population size through regeneration by seedling recruitment may lead to negative genetic consequences. Additional management, aiming to restore gene flow among populations, may need to be applied to compensate the loss of genetic diversity and to reduce inbreeding.     

THE INFLUENCE OF DISPERSAL PATTERNS AND MATING SYSTEM ON GENETIC DIFFERENTIATION WITHIN AND BETWEEN POPULATIONS OF THE RED HOWLER MONKEY (ALOUATTA SENICULUS)

The relationship between social structure and partitioning of genetic variance was examined in two red howler monkey populations (W and G) in Venezuela, one of which (G) was undergoing rapid growth through colonization by new troops. Rates and patterns of gene flow had been determined through radiotelemetry and direct observation data on solitary migrants, and 10 years of troop censusing. Standard electrophoresis techniques were used to examine 29 loci in blood samples taken from 137 of the study animals. Analysis of genetic variance demonstrated: (1) a significantly high level of genetic variation among troops within populations (F_ST = 0.225 for W and 0.142 for G), and (2) a significant excess of heterozygosity within troops relative to expected (F_IS = -0.136 for W and -0.064 for G), despite relatively high levels of observed and inferred inbreeding in W. Differences between the populations in F_ST values conformed to those predicted based on differences in colonization rate. Comparison of partitioning of genetic variance among different genealogical subsets of troops demonstrated that the pattern of genetic differentiation observed among troops within populations was promoted by an essentially single-male harem breeding structure, a very low rate of random exchange of breeding males among troops, and a high degree of relatedness among troop females. Between-troop genetic differentiation (F_ST) was thereby increased relative to that expected from other types of social organization, while the correlation between uniting gametes within troops (F_IS) was decreased. Genetic differentiation between populations (2%) corresponded to that predicted from migration rates. Such a mosaic of genetic variation, combined with differences in reproductive success observed among troops and a high troop failure rate, create conditions in which interdemic selection could result in more rapid spread of advantageous gene combinations than would be expected in a panmictic population, particularly in a colonizing situation in which the founder population is small.     

Population genetic structure of the common warthog (Phacochoerus africanus) in Uganda: evidence for a strong philopatry among warthogs and social structure breakdown in a disturbed population

Fine‐scale genetic structure of large mammals is rarely analysed. Yet it is potentially important in estimating gene flow between the now fragmented wildlife habitats and in predicting re‐colonization following local extinction events. In this study, we examined the extent to which warthog populations from five localities in Uganda are genetically structured using both mitochondrial control region sequence and microsatellite allele length variation. Four of the localities (Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls, Lake Mburo and Kidepo Valley) are national parks with relatively good wildlife protection practices and the other (Luwero), not a protected area, is characterized by a great deal of hunting. In the total sample, significant genetic differentiation was observed at both the mtDNA locus (F_ST = 0.68; P < 0.001) and the microsatellite loci (F_ST = 0.14; P < 0.001). Despite the relatively short geographical distances between populations, significant genetic differentiation was observed in all pair‐wise population comparisons at the two marker sets (mtDNA F_ST = 0.21–0.79, P < 0.001; microsatellite F_ST = 0.074–0.191, P < 0.001). Significant heterozygote deficiency was observed at most loci within protected areas while no significant deviation from Hardy–Weinberg expectation was observed in the unprotected Luwero population. We explain these results in terms of: (i) a strong philopatry among warthogs, (ii) a Wahlund effect resulting from the sampling regime and (iii) break down of social structure in the disturbed Luwero population.     

Patterns of genetic diversity and differentiation in the tsetse fly <Emphasis Type="Italic">Glossina morsitans morsitans</Emphasis> Westwood populations in East and southern Africa

Genetic diversity and differentiation within and among nine G. morsitans morsitans populations from East and southern Africa was assessed by examining variation at seven microsatellite loci and a mitochondrial locus, cytochrome oxidase (COI). Mean COI diversity within populations was 0.63 ± 0.33 and 0.81 taken over all populations. Diversities averaged over microsatellite loci were high (mean number of alleles/locus ≥7.4; mean H _E ≥ 65%) in all populations. Diversities averaged across populations were greater in East Africa (mean number of alleles = 22 ± 2.6; mean h _e = 0.773 ± 0.033) than in southern Africa (mean number of alleles = 18.7 ± 4.0; mean h _e = 0.713 ± 0.072). Differentiation among all populations was highly significant (R _ST = 0.25, F _ST = 0.132). Nei’s G _ij statistics were 0.09 and 0.19 within regions for microsatellites and mitochondria, respectively; between regions, G _ij was 0.14 for microsatellites and 0.23 for mitochondria. G _ST among populations was 0.23 for microsatellite loci and 0.40 for mitochondria. The F, G and R statistics indicate highly restricted gene flow among G. m. morsitans populations separated over geographic scales of 12–917 km.     

Standardizing Visual Control Devices for Tsetse Flies: East African Species Glossina fuscipes fuscipes and Glossina tachinoides

BackgroundRiverine species of tsetse are responsible for most human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) transmission and are also important vectors of animal trypanosomiasis. This study concerns the development of visual control devices for two such species, Glossina fuscipes fuscipes and Glossina tachinoides, at the eastern limits of their continental range. The goal was to determine the most long-lasting, practical and cost-effective visually attractive device that induces the strongest landing responses in these species for use as insecticide-impregnated tools in vector population suppression.Conclusions/SignificanceTaking into account practical considerations and fly preferences for edges and colours, we propose a 0.5×0.75 m blue-black target as a simple cost-effective device for management of G. f. fuscipes and G. tachinoides, impregnated with insecticide for control and covered with adhesive film for population sampling.     

Heterozygote excess in ancient populations of the critically endangered Dioon caputoi (Zamiaceae,Cycadales) from central Mexico

Dioon caputoi is a long‐lived cycad known from only four populations that range in size from 50 to 120, mostly adult individuals. Dioon caputoi has the most narrow geographical range of all Dioon spp. (less than 10 km), existing completely within the boundaries of the Tehuacán–Cuicatlán Biosphere Reserve, Mexico. Negative inbreeding values were found in all four populations (F_IT = ?0.242) and within subpopulations (F_IS = ?0.379). Only c. 10% of the total genetic variation was partitioned among populations (F_ST = 0.099). We also found that most mean values of genetic variation (A = 1.91 ± 0.12; P = 78.9 ± 10.2; H_E = 0.35 ± 0.01) are within the range reported for other Dioon species with larger populations and with wider geographical ranges. These results support recent findings that rare plant species maintain high levels of genetic diversity. The heterozygote excess found at all loci is discussed in detail from a neutral evolutionary perspective, leaving arguments as working hypotheses for further research. © 2008 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2008, 158 , 436–447.     

Morphological and microsatellite diversity associated with ecological factors in natural populations of Medicago laciniata Mill. (Fabaceae)

Genetic variability in 10 natural Tunisian populations of Medicago laciniata were analysed using 19 quantitative traits and 12 polymorphic microsatellite loci. A large degree of genetic variability within-populations and among-populations was detected for both quantitative characters and molecular markers. High genetic differentiation among populations for quantitative traits was seen, with Q _ST = 0.47, and F _ST = 0.47 for microsatellite markers. Several quantitative traits displayed no statistical difference in the levels of Q _ST and F _ST . Further, significant correlations between quantitative traits and eco-geographical factors suggest that divergence in the traits among populations may track environmental differences. There was no significant correlation between genetic variability at quantitative traits and microsatellite markers within populations. The site-of-origin of eco-geographical factors explain between 18.13% and 23.40% of genetic variance among populations at quantitative traits and microsatellite markers, respectively. The environmental factors that most influence variation in measured traits among populations are assimilated phosphorus (P₂0₅) and mean annual rainfall, followed by climate and soil texture, altitude and organic matter. Significant associations between eco-geographical factors and gene diversity, H _e , were established in five-microsatellite loci suggesting that these simple sequence repeats (SSRs) are not necessarily biologically neutral.