Genetic diversity of Tortrix viridana L. (Lep. Tortricidae) in Zagros Oak forests using 28s gene ‎

One of the most harmful pests of Zagros forests is the Tortrix viridana (Lep. Tortricidae). Genetic diversity of Tortrix viridana host plant populations in the oak forests of northwestern Iran and the northern Zagros region was investigated using 28s gene sequence. The samples were collected from the forest areas of west Azarbaijan, Lorestan, Kurdistan and Kermanshah provinces. They were in the larval stage, were kept in laboratory conditions until they turned into pupa and then into a complete insect. DNA extraction was done by CTAB method. Also, in order to amplify the 28s region, the 28s gene sequence of Tortrix genus was used from NCBI for primer design. The desired region was amplified using the PCR method and the PCR products were sequenced. 21 samples were selected to investigate genetic diversity using the 28s gene, and 18 sequences DNAs were of suitable quality for further investigations. The DNA sequences were edited using Bioedit software and aligned using MegaX software, and the phylogenetic tree was drawn by UPGMA method with 1000 sampling repetitions. The evaluation of the genetic structure of populations showed that the diversity between populations is greater than within populations. The results of the phylogenetic tree also showed that different samples of the Tortrix viridana have genetic diversity based on geographical distance. Therefore, the time of appearance of the pest, their behavior and their type of control and management are also different.