Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci from Spodoptera exigua (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Abstract

Ten polymorphic microsatellite loci were isolated and characterized from Spodoptera exigua (Hübner), which is a worldwide economic pest on various crops. The isolated loci were polymorphic, with 3-15 alleles in 40 individuals from four regional populations in Korea. The analyses revealed that 40 individuals had different multilocus genotypes, with the expected heterozygosity ranging from 0. 133 to 0. 899. Eight of the ten loci did not deviate significantly from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The isolated markers will facilitate population genetic studies of S. exigua. © 2012 The Japanese Society of Applied Entomology and Zoology.