What can molecular data tell us about oriental fruit fly (Bactrocera dorsalis) introductions in the U.S.?

Exotic fruit flies detected in fruit-producing regions of the U.S. can pose a significant threat to agricultural production and trade. Understanding how flies have entered the U.S. in the past should assist in targeting high risk pathways and improve overall pest exclusion. Although not the only resource, molecular data sets provide an important resource for estimating the source population of domestic fruit fly outbreaks. In our current study, we examine mitochondrial and nuclear DNA data of oriental fruit flies (Bactrocera dorsalis) detected in California between 2008 and 2013 to identify possible sources and introduction pathways. The California data set is compared to genetic profiles of flies collected in the Pacific and Asia and intercepted at U.S. ports of entry.