Population Diversity of Odontotermes formosanus (Shiraki) (Termitidae, Macrotermitinae) from Different Geographic Locations in Anhui Province, China

Genetic differentiation, genetic exchange, and influence of natural geographic barrier on the genetic structure of 20 geo-populations of Odontotermes formosanus sampled from different regions in Anhui province, China were detected using ISSR. Seventy-nine polymorphic loci were detected with nine ISSR primers, and the percentage of polymorphic bands was 87.78%. The average number of alleles per locus was 1.8778 +/- 0.3294, and the effective number of alleles was 1.4741 +/- 0.3438. The Nei's gene diversity and Shannon information index were 0.2832 +/- 0.1696 and 0.4307 +/- 0.2274, respectively. All the populations were divided into two groups through UPGMA clustering analysis based on Nei's genetic distance. One group comprised geo-populations A, C, and J, and the other group consisted of the remaining clusters. Mantel test results revealed no significant correlation between genetic similarity and geographical distance, as well as between elevation. High levels of genetic diversity, genetic mutation, and genetic differentiation were also detected among the geo-populations of O. formosanus. This study revealed the gene flow and possible migration paths of O. formosanus, which are necessary for continuous monitoring and prevention of this species.