Lack of detectable genetic recombination on the X chromosome during the parthenogenetic production of female and male aphids

Abstract

We used polymorphic microsatellite markers to look for recombination during parthenogenetic oogenesis between the X chromosomes of aphids of the tribe Macrosiphini. We examined the X chromosome because it comprises ∼ 25% of the genome and previous cytological observations of chromosome pairing and nucleolar organizer (NOR) heteromorphism suggest recombination, although the same is not true for autosomes. A total of 564 parthenogenetic females of Myzus clones with three distinct reproductive modes (cyclical parthenogenesis, obligate parthenogenesis and obligate parthenogenesis with male production) were genotyped at three informative X-linked loci. Also, parthenogenetically produced males from clones encompassing the full range of male-producing reproductive strategies were genotyped. These included 391 Myzus persicae males that were genotyped at three X-linked loci and 538 males from Sitobion clones that were genotyped at five informative X-linked loci. Our results show no departure from clonality in parthenogenetic generations of aphids of the tribe Macrosiphini: no recombinant genotypes were observed in parthenogenetically produced males or females.