Genomic basis of adaptation to host-plants in closely related fig wasp species

2017 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 15K21705
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Evolutionary biology; Ecology/Environment
• Research Institution: University of the Ryukyus (2017); Research Institute of Environment, Agriculture and Fisheries, Osaka Prefecture (2016); JT Biohistory Research Hall (2015)
• Principal Investigator: WACHI Nakatada 琉球大学, 熱帯生物圏研究センター, ポスドク研究員 (40635299)
• Project Period (FY): 2015-04-01 – 2018-03-31
• Keywords: 昆虫 / イチジクコバチ科 / イチジク属 / 生物間相互作用 / 共生 / ゲノム / 遺伝的多様性 / 分子生態学

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The genomic region that determines host-utilization of fig wasps (Agaonidae), which have obligate mutualism with fig trees (Ficus) were investigated. Multiple genomic regions with particularly high genetic differentiation among species were found by comparisons of the closely related species using different host plants (Blastophaga nipponica and B. taiwanensins). There is a possibility that these regions or the flanking regions of them are the genomic regions which determine the host-utilization of these fig wasps.

Free Research Field

分子生態学・集団遺伝学・昆虫分類学