Project 19.3

The Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata) is a globally significant pest of Solanaceous crops. Its remarkable fecundity contributes to its invasive success. This project aims to uncover the genetic and genomic basis of its reproductive capacity through modern molecular, genetic, and bioinformatic approaches, providing insights into the evolutionary and functional mechanisms underlying high insect fecundity.

High fecundity is a defining characteristic of many agricultural pests and is frequently associated with their capacity to adapt to environmental stressors, disperse efficiently, and establish persistent populations. Although reproductive biology is well-documented in model organisms, the genetic and molecular basis of fecundity regulation in pest insects remains poorly understood. In L. decemlineata, reproductive traits are influenced by both genetic background and environmental conditions, including temperature, food availability, and stress.

Despite its significance as a major pest species, the molecular determinants of the beetle’s reproductive success are not yet fully characterized. Identifying the genes and pathways responsible for its prolific egg production will contribute to a broader understanding of adaptive evolution in invasive insects and may provide targets for novel pest control strategies.

To investigate the genetic basis of high fecundity in L. decemlineata, we will employ an integrative approach combining population genomics, transcriptomics, and functional genetics. We will utilize available whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data from European and North American populations to identify regions under selection and potential candidate genes. In parallel, we will perform single-cell RNA sequencing of reproductive tissues to resolve cell-type-specific expression patterns and transcriptional networks associated with fecundity.

For functional validation, candidate genes will be targeted using RNA interference (RNAi) via oral delivery, a method previously validated in this species. To complement this approach, we also aim to apply CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing to generate precise gene knockouts, allowing for a detailed investigation of gene function and its contribution to reproductive capacity.