Genetic Diversity and Population Structure in Elaeidobius kamerunicus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) Inferred from mtDNA COI and Microsatellite Markers

Elaeidobius kamerunicus Faust (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is widely known as the main pollinator of oil palm. Although economically important,the population genetics of this pollinator have remained relatively unexplored. This study explores population genetic structure and contemporary gene flow in E.kamerunicus in Indonesian provinces and attempts to place observed patterns within the broader geographical context. Based on combined data from mtDNA cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) sequences and 11 SSR loci obtained from 32 individuals located in 11 province and 16 sites, overall genetic structuring was low. The study suggested a close relationship of individuals between close provinces but some of data showed that individuals from provinces with far geographical also shared some close relationship. The expansion history of this species, including likely human-mediated dispersal, may have played a role in shaping the observed weak structure detected in this study. The information resulted from this analysis of gene flow and population structure has broad implications for monitoring and management of this pollinator, especially in oil palm plantations in Indonesia. Future studies should concentrate efforts on sampling of African and South-East Asian populations, which would enable better inferences of the ancestral location of E.kamerunicus and its invasion history into and throughout world.