Population traceability technology of Hylurgus ligniperda Fabricius (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) based on resequencing-derived SNP markers

Hylurgus ligniperda (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), a highly destructive forestry invasive pest to pine trees, is a quarantine-regulated species for entry plants in China. We conducted genomic resequencing on geographical populations of H. ligniperda collected from Australia, New Zealand, Russia, and Shandong Province, China. Population genetic differentiation analysis based on Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) loci revealed distinct genetic clusters corresponding to the Chinese, New Zealand, Russian, and Australian populations. Specifically, the Chinese population exhibited closer genetic proximity to the New Zealand population but greater divergence from the Russian and Australian populations. We screened and successfully established population-specific SNP traceability loci for the Chinese, New Zealand, and Russian populations. All markers were validated for accurately identifying target population genotypes, providing rapid and reliable molecular tracing technology for port inspections and quarantine area management. Additionally, our results indicate that the Chinese population of H. ligniperda may have originated directly or indirectly from New Zealand, offering critical clues for quarantine regulation of this pest at Chinese ports.