Don C. Vacek, don.c.vacek@aphis.usda.gov, Heather A. Quintanilla, heather.a.quintanilla@aphis.usda.gov, and Roxanne E. Garza, roxanne.e.garza@aphis.usda.gov. USDA-APHIS-PPQ-CPHST, Pest Detection, Diagnostic, and Management Laboratory, Moore Air Base Bldg. 6414, 22675 N. Moorefield Rd, Edinburg, TX
DNA finger printing procedures were applied to identify DNA fragments unique to six Anastrepha spp. (A. ludens, A. distincta, A. fraterculus, A. obliqua, A. serpentina, and A. striata) of economic importance. Sequence characterized amplified regions (SCARs) from A. ludens (previously reported), A. obliqua, A. serpentina, and A. fraterculus were identified from species specific RAPD fragments. Primer pairs were designed for selected SCAR fragments (200-800 base pairs) and screened for their suitability in molecular diagnostic methods for identifying immatures of Anastrepha spp. that are intercepted at ports of entry. Species specific SCAR primer pairs that can be adapted to high throughput real-time PCR methodology and instrumentation will provide a simplified and rapid molecular diagnostics model.
Species 1: Diptera Tephritidae
Anastrepha ludens (Mexican fruit fly)
Species 2: Diptera Tephritidae
Anastrepha obliqua (West Indian fruit fly)
Species 3: Diptera Tephritidae
Anastrepha serpentina (sapote fruit fly)
Keywords: genetic diagnostic, ports of entry
