Integrating Classical Genetics with Next Generation Sequencing for the Improvement of a Draft Genome Assembly and QTL Mapping in the Melon Fly Bactrocera cucurbitae (Coquillett) (Dipter: Tephritidae)

The melon fly, B. cucurbitae (Coquillett) (Diptera: Tephritidae), is a serious global pest of many fruits and vegetables. The melon fly is routinely intercepted in rich agricultural areas of the US and poses a threat to the nation’s economy and food supply.  To develop methods for the control of this pest species, it is necessary to develop foundational tools for its biological, genetic, and genomic characterization.  In this study, the whole B. cucurbitae genome was sequenced and assembled.  Five mapping populations for this species were then sequenced and genotyped using a double digest restriction associated digest sequencing library.  From this, a consensus linkage map for B. cucurbitae was generated and used to super-scaffold 69% of the draft assembly which includes 74% of annotated genes.  The linkage map was then used to identify loci linked the the white pupae trait, a trait which facilitates sexing and thus mass-rearing in colonies for sterile insect release.