The complete mitogenome sequence of the agricultural pest, clover root weevil: the key to its own demise?

Abstract

We report the complete mitogenome of Sitona obsoletus, an agricultural pest in New Zealand and some European countries. Like other Sitona mitogenomes, the 6 tRNA gene box is ordered RNSAEF, supporting the hypothesis that this signature is common to, and potentially diagnostic, of this genus. The Trojan Female Technique (TFT) is a genetic pest control strategy that exploits mitochondrial DNA alleles that affect male, but not female fertility and fitness. The complete mitogenome is an essential first step in exploring the utility of TFT for the control of S. obsoletus.

Keywords

• complete mitochondrial sequence
• sitona obsoletus
• sitona lepidus
• sitona flavescens
• trojan female technique