Investigation of genetic diversity and polyandry of Leptinotarsa decemlineata using X-linked microsatellite markers.

A panel of X-linked microsatellite markers was newly designed using the data from a previous sequencing project available in NCBI and used for a study of the Colorado potato beetle (CPB, Leptinotarsa decemlineata) X-haplotype variability. The analysis of scaffolds 49 and 61 (newly identified as fragments of CPB chromosome X) found ten high-quality markers, which were arranged in two PCR multiplexes and evaluated in both 420 CPB adults, collected from 14 localities of Czechia and Slovakia, and 866 larvae from five single-female families from two more Czech localities. Length polymorphisms found in 6 loci have predicted 192 potential X-haplotypes, however, only 36 combinations were detected in the adult males (N = 189), and seven additional ones in the larvae.

Bias in sex ratios and polyandry rate in reproduction of Leptinotarsa decemlineata.

The Colorado potato beetle (CPB, Leptinotarsa decemlineata Slechtd.) is an invasive pest with economic importance worldwide. Sex ratios during egg-hatching and a frequency of polyandry in single-female families were analysed to clarify the reproduction strategy of CPB, which was still known only in fragments.

Detection of sex in adults and larvae of Leptinotarsa decemlineata on principle of copy number variation.

The identification of sex in larvae of insects is usually challenging or even impossible, while in adults the sexual dimorphism is usually evident. Here, we used copy number analysis to develop a method of sex detection in Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata), which has an X0 sex determination system. The X linked gene LdVssc and autosomal gene LdUBE3B were identified as appropriate target and reference loci, respectively.

Phenotypic, molecular and biochemical evaluation of somatic hybrids between Solanum tuberosum and S. bulbocastanum.

Somatic hybridization has been frequently used to overcome sexual incompatibility between potato and its secondary germplasm. The primary objective of this study was to produce and evaluate somatic hybrids of Solanum tuberosum (Stub) and S. bulbocastanum (Sblb) for breeding purposes.

OpiumPlex is a novel microsatellite system for profiling opium poppy (Papaver somniferum L.).

Opium poppy (Papaver somniferum L.) is a versatile plant exploited by the pharmaceutical and food industries. Unfortunately, it is also infamously known as a source of highly addictive narcotics, primarily heroin.