Tetranychus urticae genome construction and pesticide adaptation studies

Multiple strains of the two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae, were sequenced to provide genetic data for scaffolding a draft of the genome. Subsequently, this resource was used to understand the genetic architecture, in long-term selection studies, of pesticide adaptation and host plant performance. Quantitative trait loci underlying both phenotypes were mapped, and the underlying genetic architecture was found to be different. For studies of pesticide resistance, candidate genes for phenotypes were identified.