Genetic diversity and population structure of the corn leafhopper Dalbulus maidis (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) in the subtropical region of America

Abstract

Abstract The corn leafhopper, Dalbulus maidis, is the vector of the disease complex known as "Corn Stunt," a serious threat to corn production in subtropical regions of South America. The aim of this study was to estimate the structure and genetic differentiation of D. maidis populations from three distinct geographical regions collected during two maize growing seasons in northwestern Argentina using inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSR) markers. Populations in the Monte High-altitude Valley and Dry Plain sites, despite being geographically separated by mountains of high elevations, were genetically similar, while the nearest populations located in Humid Piedmont and Dry Plain were the most genetically different. The results suggested that the populations of D. maidis in subtropical maize-growing areas are structured according to the climatic conditions, mainly humidity and precipitation. Additionally, this structure might be influenced by annual migrants from northern tropical areas, as well as by individuals that occasionally survive from one season to the next as occurs in the Humid Piedmont region.