Thanks to a new University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) study published in the Journal of Heredity, scientists now have a better genetic understanding of the common bed bug, Cimex lectularius.
“This new high-quality reference genome provides a valuable resource for enhancing scientific investigations into this medically and economically resurging pest,” Dr. Todd Castoe, UTA professor of biology and an author of the study, said in a news release.
For the study, Dr. Castoe and UTA graduate student Yannick Franciol collaborated with researchers from multiple institutions, including Virginia Tech, the University of Arkansas, and Harvard University, to sequence the insect’s genome. By using advanced sequencing technologies, they created a detailed genetic map of the bed bug, revealing its 15 chromosomes.
This breakthrough will help researchers understand the genetic basis of bed bug biology, evolution and insecticide resistance. Specifically, identifying the sex chromosomes could lead to innovative pest control strategies targeting sex-specific traits.
“The creation of a chromosome-level reference genome gives us a new and highly accurate contiguous map of the bed bug’s genetic material,” Dr. Castoe said in the news release. “This new foundational resource will allow researchers to further understand the genetic basis of traits for the insect that cause issues such as insecticide resistance, which is crucial for developing more effective pest control strategies.”
<p>The post Researchers map bed bug genome first appeared on Pest Management Professional.</p>
from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2024/12/17/researchers-map-bed-bug-genome/
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