Molecular identification of Anoplophora glabripennis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) and detection from frass samples based on real-time quantitative PCR

Abstract Anoplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky 1853) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), the Asian Longhorned Beetle, is native to temperate and subtropical areas of China Korean peninsula. Due its wide range host plants, it considered among most economically important invasive plant pests. The morphological identification A. larvae can be confirmed by DNA barcoding, but obtaining specimens from infested trees a demanding challenging task. Therefore, non-invasive diagnostic tools based on extracted frass samples key importance in phytosanitary surveys. In this study, an silico generated real-time quantitative PCR test was developed for detection material, which naturally extruded larval tunnels through cracks bark. Specificity against other wood-boring insect species frequently encountered during surveys inclusivity demonstrated different populations all main European outbreak areas. proved sensitive reliable detecting woody material Acer saccharinum Aesculus hippocastanum at least up 100-fold dilution. Furthermore, allowed molecular any life stage insect, including eggs young larvae, whose impossible or very challenging. This study provides tool detect thus allowing sampling approach.