From trees to genes: Tracking the invasive citrus pest, Nipaecoccus viridis (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), across Florida using genomic tools

With the continual advancements being made in genomic technologies, it has become more accessible to study non-model insects such as invasive agricultural pests. Hemipteran pests particularly are notable in their ability to feed on a wide variety of plants, be moved across far distances unnoticed and are more typically reported due to notable economic damage to agricultural settings. One such hemipteran pest, the hibiscus mealybug, Nipaecoccus viridis (Newstead), has begun its invasive spread across Florida. While initially discovered in a natural area in 2009, the hibiscus mealybug was found in a commercial citrus grove in 2019 and has since spread to 24 counties in the state. Thus far, the route of its invasive spread has been unclear . Utilizing the available reference genome, we conducted population genetic analyses with representatives from 1 5 different counties. Samples were compared between counties and within-county, exploring the differences in collection years, agricultural practices and host plants, using a principal component analysis, neighbor joining tree and population structure through best K. We find evidence for 3 distinct population clusters present within Florida. Our analyses found evidence of both a persistent older population and multiple invasions contributing to the invasive spread across the state. Our results give insight into hibiscus mealybug’s global invasive success and provide key molecular resources for monitoring this citrus pest.