A multi-locus tool for the pathway analysis of Mediterranean fruit fly

The Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata, (Weidemann), native to Sub-Saharan Africa, has successfully invaded areas in Europe, Australia, Central America, South America, and Hawaii. The host list for this agricultural pest includes over 250 plant species from more than 50 families. While not established on the US mainland, frequent medfly infestations have been recorded for California and Florida. Determining the likely source of these introductions may help to resolve trade issues, improve quarantine programs, and create more effective medfly eradication programs. Previous methods for the pathway analysis of this fly have relied on partial datasets or markers that result in poor resolution. We report the development of a multi-locus molecular tool for source estimations for this fly. We report the progress in addressing those key elements that help in making a pathway tool informative, effective, and efficient. These include a substantial sampling dataset, the appropriate set of mtDNA and microsatellite molecular markers, and cost-effective methods that are rigorously tested.