Comparative Study of the Genetic Variability of Sitophilus Zeamais Subservient to 2 Host Plants (Millet and Maize) in Senegal (West Africa)

Abstract

Millet and maize, because of the importance of their yields, constitute a reliable alternative to the question of sovereignty and food security. These cereals are exploited in all agroecological zones of Senegal. But their stocks, especially those of maize, are deteriorated by Sitophilus Zeamais, a beetle of the Curculionidae. It is therefore necessary to find natural solutions that are healthier than the use of pesticides which is harmful to living beings and the environment. This article makes a comparative study of the genetic diversity of the populations of this insect individually subservient to maize and to millet. The importance of this study is to find a genetic explanation for the differential vulnerability of these host plants to Sitophilus Zeamais, because the genetic diversity influences the adaptability of the individual and consequently its development. For this, insects Sitophilus Zeamais subservient on the one hand to maize and on the other hand to millet were collected in each agroecological zone. The exploitation of 125 sequences of the Cytochrome B gene corresponding to the individuals, by software of study in population genetics (Bioedit, DNAsp, Mega, Arlequin…) compared to parameters of genetic variability, revealed an approximately similar and high genetic diversity of the 2 populations of millet and maize. Thus, millet and maize genetically have the same effect on the adaptability of Sitophilus Zeamais.