2023 Fiscal Year Research-status Report
Integrative species delimitation in spider mites by phylogenomics, morphometrics and niche modeling
| Project/Area Number |
22KF0325
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| Allocation Type | Multi-year Fund |
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| Research Institution | Tokyo Metropolitan University |
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Principal Investigator |
江口 克之 東京都立大学, 理学研究科, 准教授 (30523419)
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| Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha) |
LIAO JHIH-RONG 東京都立大学, 理学研究科, 外国人特別研究員
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| Project Period (FY) |
2023-03-08 – 2025-03-31
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| Keywords | spider mite / genome-wide SNP / machine learning / niche modeling |
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| Outline of Annual Research Achievements |
Within the last fiscal year, our team has enriched the fields of Veterinary science and environmental Entomology through a series of impactful studies. Beginning with a seminal nationwide survey published in Medical and Veterinary Entomology, we have exposed the overlooked threat ticks present to health sectors in Taiwan. Advancing our research scope, we scrutinized the adaptability of alien predatory mites to climatic shifts and the influence of urban layouts on Aedes aegypti dispersal, with these pivotal findings featured in Pest Management Science. Further solidifying our role as thought leaders, our comprehensive review in Formosan Entomologist articulated the milestones achieved in the taxonomy of phytoseiid mites in Taiwan, proposing directions for future research. This piece notably encapsulates our analytical prowess in deciphering intricate ecological dynamics. Complementing our published work, a presentation at the 32nd Annual Meeting of the Acarological Society of Japan shed light on the climate-induced limitations on the invasive European red mite's expansion, reflecting our proactive stance on predicting and mitigating pest impacts in a changing world. Additionally, our team's ongoing efforts in developing innovative methodologies have significantly contributed to enhancing our understanding of ecological interactions and pest management strategies. Collectively, these scholarly endeavors echo our dedication to unraveling complex environmental challenges and embody our commitment to international collaboration and accessibility in scientific discourse.
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| Current Status of Research Progress |
Current Status of Research Progress
1: Research has progressed more than it was originally planned.
Reason
This fiscal year, our project has made significant strides in the integrative species delimitation of Tetranychus urticae using phylogenomics, morphometrics, and niche modeling. We have conducted extensive fieldwork across Japan, collecting data in varied ecological zones: from the temperate climates of Hokkaido to the subtropical regions of Okinawa. While our efforts have successfully captured comprehensive genomic and morphometric data in Kanto, Chubu, and Kinki regions, areas such as Kyushu, Shikoku, and Tohoku remain underexplored. These regions are crucial for understanding the full range of ecological niches occupied by T. urticae, as they likely harbor distinct genetic lineages that could inform our phylogenomic analyses. Our niche modeling efforts have begun to reveal how environmental variables influence the distribution patterns of T. urticae, but additional data from unexplored regions would significantly enhance the accuracy and predictive power of our models. The upcoming year will focus on extending our field research to these uncharted territories, aiming to build a more complete picture of the species' diversity and ecological adaptability. This will not only fill critical gaps in our current understanding but also refine our integrative approach to species delimitation. Our progress to date aligns well with our project milestones, and we are optimistic that continued exploration and data integration will lead to significant contributions to acarology and species conservation strategies.
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| Strategy for Future Research Activity |
As we advance into the next phase of our project on Tetranychus urticae, our team is set to explore a range of underrepresented areas across Japan, starting with Niigata in late April to capture data on how these mites adapt to the spring climate. This journey will continue into early May with a focus on Nagoya and Shizuoka, where we will examine the influence of urban and rural settings on mite populations. By late August, our efforts will shift to the historical landscapes of Nara and Kyoto, assessing the impacts of traditional and contemporary agricultural practices on these organisms. Later in the year, our research will extend to Shikoku, Kyushu, and Tohoku, exploring diverse agricultural landscapes and unique climatic conditions. These areas are crucial for understanding the ecological variance and adaptive strategies of mite populations under different environmental pressures. After completing our extensive field surveys, the final months of the year will be dedicated to a thorough analysis of the collected data. This will involve integrating genomic data from the specimens with environmental parameters to enhance our phylogenomic analysis. By constructing detailed phylogenetic trees and examining genetic relationships, we aim to delineate species boundaries and understand patterns of divergence among mite populations. The integration of this genetic information with our ecological findings will be crucial for predicting how T. urticae may adapt to future environmental changes, contributing to our broader goals in acarology and ecological conservation.
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| Causes of Carryover |
野外調査を効率的に行えたため、費用を比較的抑えることができた。一方で、標本は順調に集まっているため、2024年度（最終年度）にMIG-seqを集中して行うように計画を立て直し、2023年度の予算の一部を2024年度へ繰り越した。
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