Internal Seminar: Maeva Techer, Postdoc, Ecology and Evolution (Mikheyev Unit)

Internal Seminar

Speaker: Maeva Techer, Postdoc, Ecology and Evolution (Mikheyev Unit)

Title: At the origins of a global invasion: the honey bee parasite that keeps on jumping 

Abstract:

Globalization has provided opportunities for species to cross geographical barriers and establish outside their native range. The Western honey bee has been transported in almost every continents with beekeeping modernization. After centuries of range expansion, this domesticated honey bee ultimately met her sister species the Asian honey bee. This new, sudden contact between the two species gave the opportunity for parasite/pathogens spill over. One ectoparasite mite, Varroa destructor, successfully “jumped” three times from the Asian honey bee, its original host, to the "naive" Western honeybee. Departing from Korea, one invasive V. destructor spread nearly worldwide and became the major destructive force behind honey bee decline. Concerns rise as another close related Varroa mite (V. jacobsoni) has emerged as a new threat by jumping twice about 10 years ago. In light of these reports, additional host switch could occur but the genetic mechanisms behind the quick adaptation and success of Varroa are poorly understood. 

How did those specialized organisms repeatedly “jump” and adapt to a new host? What are the potential genetic and population key factors enabling such events?

In order to tackle those questions, we sequenced the whole genome of both mites species (24 V. destructor and 20 V. jacobsoni) collected in their native area on original and new hosts. Our aim was to i) compare native and invasive Varroa populations, ii) identify signatures of selection after host switch, iii) detect whether gene flow has occurred or is still occurring among host populations.

Please join us for free pizza, soft drinks, and scientific discussion following the Internal Seminar from 5:00-5:30pm. Please kindly bring your own plate and mug.