Thesis
Reproductive biology and population genetics of Northern fowl mite
Washington State University
Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
2010
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/102137
Abstract
A complete understanding of the biology and the population dynamics of a pest are paramount in developing effective long-term management strategies. Such knowledge has been lacking for Northern Fowl Mite (NFM; Ornithonyssus sylviarum; Acari, Mesostigmata), a major pest of poultry in the United States. Also, due to its extensive host range, NFM represents a model system for emerging infectious disease. This study adds to the available information on NFM concerning two particular aspects: reproductive biology and population genetics. Rearing experiments were conducted that confirmed arrhenotokous sex determination in NFM. Also, it was found that virgin females are able to undergo oedipal mating and females can store sperm for at least two weeks. The endosymbiont Wolbachia was detected in several populations of NFM, although it does not appear to be a factor influencing the observed 80% female sex ratio of established populations. The sex ratio of NFM colonizing a naïve domestic host is 97% female. However, an 80% female sex ratio is maintained once the population becomes established. NFM populations infesting parapatric domestic and wild host in S. California were investigated using microsatellite markers to determine population dynamics between host types. It was found that domestic and wild hosts share mites, and mites of wild hosts maintain higher genetic diversity than do mites of domestic hosts.
Metrics
10 File views/ downloads
38 Record Views
Details
- Title
- Reproductive biology and population genetics of Northern fowl mite
- Creators
- John B. McCulloch
- Contributors
- Jeb P. Owen (Degree Supervisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- Entomology, Department of
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
- Publisher
- Washington State University; Pullman, Wash. :
- Identifiers
- 99900525273501842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Thesis