Population Genetic Differentiation and Structure of Maruca vitrata (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) in India

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Lepidopteran insects such as crambid moth i.e., Maruca vitrata present significant bottleneck on successful cultivation of pulses/legumes. Pigeonpea is a major pulse crop of India and primary source of protein in Indian diet. Hence, present study assumes high significance in current scenario where commercial agriculture is challenged due to global warming and climate change, which exacerbate increased attack of insect pest on crops. 

The study described by Mahalle et al is well-conducted, data is strong and it provides novel insights on genetic diversity and population structure of the insect. This could be useful for developing effective insect-pest management strategies.

I have small comment: the authors need to describe (in discussion and abstract/conclusions) the implications or impact of such homogenous insect population on crop and other insect species.

 

Author Response

Reviewer 1:Lepidopteran insects such as crambid moth i.e., Maruca vitrata present significant bottleneck on successful cultivation of pulses/legumes. Pigeonpea is a major pulse crop of India and primary source of protein in Indian diet. Hence, present study assumes high significance in current scenario where commercial agriculture is challenged due to global warming and climate change, which exacerbate increased attack of insect pest on crops. 

The study described by Mahalle et al is well-conducted, data is strong, and it provides novel insights on genetic diversity and population structure of the insect. This could be useful for developing effective insect-pest management strategies.

I have small comment: the authors need to describe (in discussion and abstract/conclusions) the implications or impact of such homogenous insect population on crop and other insect species.

Response: Thank you for your comments and appreciation. We have modified the conclusion according to your suggestions.

 

Reviewer 2 Report

Dear Author

All experiments in this manuscript are well planned, designed, and conducted. 

The information generated from this study can be utilized by plant breeders for commercial screening and cultivar development. 

Best Wishes

 

 

Author Response

Reviewer 2:All experiments in this manuscript are well planned, designed, and conducted. 

The information generated from this study can be utilized by plant breeders for commercial screening and cultivar development. Best Wishes

Response: Thank you very much for your appreciation.

 

 

Reviewer 3 Report

This is a really interesting paper because of both the problem and the methods. The most consequential aspect of this study is the discovery of low genetic variation and lack of population structure of Maruca vitrata in India. The molecular analysis is recommendable for this level of population genetic research on M. vitrata. I would say the paper is 75% of the way to completion, because there are still some issues that need to be addressed before the paper can be finally accepted after major revision for publication in Diversity.

First, the authors should make sure that they have applied the suitable marker to ensure their analysis and results are convincing. The authors first must clarify the appropriateness of their methods based on single mitochondrial COI gene. Second, the subject of this study is very similar to the previous studies. The studies examined the same mitochondrial gene and have interest on the population genetics; note that they relied on different analytical methods. Considering these similarities, this paper should present a distinction(s) from previous studies more clearly, particularly in the introduction. Third, the COI, haplotype network, population structure etc. are fine (this is science, after all), but they need to be translated into plain English and clear illustrations. I certainly commend the authors for investigating the genitalic characters in detail if there are any differences between two distinct sub-clusters or among different populations. Figure 6 was not clearly illustrated to show the two sub-clusters. Finally, the authors assume that gene flow may have occurred among different populations, resulting in the low genetic variation and lack of population structure. Are there any gene flow pattern or pathways among these populations?

Author Response

We thank the reviewer for insightful comments and suggestions for improvement of the manuscript. The manuscript has been thoroughly revised as per the comments. All the suggested modifications are highlighted in the revised manuscript.

1. First, the authors should make sure that they have applied the suitable marker to ensure their analysis and results are convincing. The authors first must clarify the appropriateness of their methods based on single mitochondrial COI gene.                                                                            Response: As suggested, the introduction is modified to highlight the suitability of the mitochondrial COI gene in Maruca diversity.
2. Second, the subject of this study is very similar to the previous studies. The studies examined the same mitochondrial gene and have interest on the population genetics; note that they relied on different analytical methods. Considering these similarities, this paper should present a distinction(s) from previous studies more clearly, particularly in the introduction.              Response: As suggested, the introduction is modified highlighting the distinction of this paper.
3. Third, the COI, haplotype network, population structure etc. are fine (this is science, after all), but they need to be translated into plain English and clear illustrations.                                                                                    Response: We have tried to add more information regarding the interpretation of haplotype network and population structure results.
4. I certainly commend the authors for investigating the genitalic characters in detail if there are any differences between two distinct sub-clusters or among different populations. Figure 6 was not clearly illustrated to show the two sub-clusters.                                                                        Response: Definitely a good suggestion. We have already checked the genital morphology of both adult males and females of M. vitrata from selected locations. However, we didn’t find any significant differences. Fig 6 has been modified.

5. Finally, the authors assume that gene flow may have occurred among different populations, resulting in the low genetic variation and lack of population structure. Are there any gene flow pattern or pathways among these populations?                                                                              Response: Indeed, a good point. We assumed the gene flow based on our results and previous reports on the ecology and migratory behaviour of M. vitrata species across India. As suggested, we have discussed it in the revised manuscript.

 

Round 2

Reviewer 3 Report

Thanks for making efforts to make modifications. Look forward to see this paper is published.

Author Response

Thank you very much for your valuable suggestions and for recommending our article for acceptance.