Using random amplified polymorphic DNA to differentiate strains of the Indianmeal moth (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

Abstract

The movement of Indianmeal moth, Plodia interpunctella (Hubner), and its ability to infest stored products over large areas is not understood because of the difficulty in identifying the origins of infestations. Random amplified polymorphic DNA polymerase chain reaction (RAPD-PCR) is a technique that has been used to identify genetic markers in insect populations and may be useful for differentiating populations of P. interpunctella. RAPD PCR was used to differentiate 6 P. interpunctella populations, and the genetic similarity was examined within and among populations. All individual insects were differentiated into correct population groups using only two 10-mer primers.