Progress 10/01/09 to 09/30/10
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416) Use data from multiple genetic markers of different classes (allozymes, microsatellites, mitochondrial DNA sequences, nuclear DNA sequences) to identify the native source population(s) of the fire ant Solenopsis invicta introduced into the U.S.A. Approach (from AD-416) 1) Collect numerous nest samples of S. invicta from twenty locations throughout the native range of the species in South America; 2) Generate genetic data for S. invicta collected from all native sites as well as from several sites located throughout the U.S.A.; 3) Analyze data using multiple complementary statistical and phylogenetic methods to infer the region of the native range from which the introduced ants originated; 4) Subsequently sample at high-resolution ants in this native source region combined and perform additional detailed genetic analyses to pinpoint with reasonable confidence the source population(s) of introduced S. invicta. This project is related to Objective 1 of this in-house project: Develop functional genomic resources and employ these resources to examine the genetic basis of biological traits that can potentially be used for biologically based control, including implications for the geographic origins of infestations. The second of two components of the project aimed at identifying the native source population(s) of the red imported fire ant in the southern U.S.A. was completed. Our detailed genetic analyses of these data allowed us to pinpoint with high confidence the source population(s) of introduced S. invicta. The results of this research are summarized in two manuscripts, one of which is under review and a second which is currently in preparation. Monitoring: Progress was continuously monitored through direct interactions with staff and through the preparation of manuscripts.
Impacts
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Progress 10/01/08 to 09/30/09
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416) Use data from multiple genetic markers of different classes (allozymes, microsatellites, mitochondrial DNA sequences, nuclear DNA sequences) to identify the native source population(s) of the fire ant Solenopsis invicta introduced into the U.S.A. Approach (from AD-416) 1) Collect numerous nest samples of S. invicta from twenty locations throughout the native range of the species in South America; 2) Generate genetic data for S. invicta collected from all native sites as well as from several sites located throughout the U.S.A.; 3) Analyze data using multiple complementary statistical and phylogenetic methods to infer the region of the native range from which the introduced ants originated; 4) Subsequently sample at high-resolution ants in this native source region combined and perform additional detailed genetic analyses to pinpoint with reasonable confidence the source population(s) of introduced S. invicta. Significant Activities that Support Special Target Populations This project is related to Objective 7 of this in-house project: Identify vulnerable genes involved in critical biological functions (e.g., apoptotic, metabolic, regulation, immunity), with the ultimate goal of developing gene-targeting methodologies using RNA interference for species-specific, biologically-based control of Imported Fire Ants. The collaborator generated allozyme data for fire ants and provided the information to ARS scientist. Genetic data from multiple sources (allozymes, microsatellites, mtDNA sequences) were analyzed to attempt to delimit species boundaries within the fire ant Solenopsis saevissima. Results of these analyses were summarized in a manuscript prepared by the collaborator with the assistance of ARS scientist. Manuscript was submitted and has been recently accepted for publication. Progress on this project was monitored throughout the year by means of frequent email communications, telephone communications, and one joint collecting trip.
Impacts
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Progress 10/01/07 to 09/30/08
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416) Use data from multiple genetic markers of different classes (allozymes, microsatellites, mitochondrial DNA sequences, nuclear DNA sequences) to identify the native source population(s) of the fire ant Solenopsis invicta introduced into the U.S.A. Approach (from AD-416) 1) Collect numerous nest samples of S. invicta from twenty locations throughout the native range of the species in South America; 2) Generate genetic data for S. invicta collected from all native sites as well as from several sites located throughout the U.S.A.; 3) Analyze data using multiple complementary statistical and phylogenetic methods to infer the region of the native range from which the introduced ants originated; 4) Subsequently sample at high-resolution ants in this native source region combined and perform additional detailed genetic analyses to pinpoint with reasonable confidence the source population(s) of introduced S. invicta. Significant Activities that Support Special Target Populations This project is related to Objective 7 of this in-house project: Identify vulnerable genes involved in criticcal biological functions (e.g. , apoptotic, metablic, regulation, immunity), with the ultimate goal of developing gene-targeting methodologies using RNA interference for species-specific, biologically-based control of Imported Fire Ants. The collaborator generated allozyme data for fire ants and provided to ARS scientist. Genetic data from multiple sources (allozymes, microsatellites, mtDNA sequences) were analyzed to estimate the number of founders responsible for the fire ant population in the USA. Results of these analyses were summarized in a manuscript prepared by the collaborator with the assistance of ARS scientist. Manuscript was submitted and has been recently published. Monitoring: Progress on this project was monitored throughout the year by means of frequent email communications, telephone communications, and two visits to the collaborator�s lab by the ARS scientist.
Impacts
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