Use of DNA probes to differentiate Ceratitis capitata, Bactrocera dorsalis and B. cucurbitae
In Hawaii (US), DNA sequences have been isolated from the genomes of Ceratitis capitata (EPPO A2 quarantine pest), Bactrocera dorsalis and B. cucurbitae (both EPPO A1 quarantine pests) and have been used as probes. Results have shown that these DNA sequences can be used to differentiate the three fruit flies species using limited amounts of material from any stage of the life cycle (single eggs, larvae or adult body parts), on dot blots or squash blots. It is noted that in commodity treatment programs, rapid identification of the pest at an earliest possible stage is critical. Therefore, the authors concluded that this rapid and reliable method is particularly useful when infestations are found on commodities, as it is no longer necessary to rear insects until the species can be identified.
Sources
Haymer, D.S.; Tanaka, T.; Teramae, C. (1994) DNA probes can be used to discriminate between Tephritid species at all stages of the life cycle (Diptera: Tephritidae).
Journal of Economic Entomology, 87 (3), 741-746.