Genome assembly of the southern pine beetle ( Zimmerman) reveals the origins of gene content reduction in .

also known as southern pine beetle (SPB), is the most damaging insect forest pest in the southeastern United States. Genomic data are important to provide information on pest biology and to identify molecular targets to develop improved pest management approaches. Here, we produced a chromosome-level genome assembly of SPB using long-read sequencing data.

Genome assembly of the southern pine beetle ( Zimmerman) reveals the origins of gene content reduction in .

, also known as southern pine beetle (SPB), represents the most damaging forest pest in the southeastern United States. Strategies to predict, monitor and suppress SPB outbreaks have had limited success. Genomic data are critical to inform on pest biology and to identify molecular targets to develop improved management approaches.

RNA interference and validation of reference genes for gene expression analyses using qPCR in southern pine beetle, Dendroctonus frontalis.

RNA interference (RNAi) is a highly specific gene-silencing mechanism that can cause rapid insect mortality when essential genes are targeted. RNAi is being developed as a tool for integrated pest management of some crop pests. Here we focus on an aggressive forest pest that kills extensive tracts of pine forests, the southern pine beetle (SPB), Dendroctonus frontalis.