Data from: Origin and host plant-associated dispersal of the oriental fruit moth Grapholita molesta (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) in East Asia

The Oriental fruit moth Grapholita molesta is one of the most destructive pests in the orchards. Assumed to be native to China, it is now distributed throughout the world. However, the origin and dispersal of this moth in its native region is still unknown. In the current study, we explored the population genetic structure and demographic history of this moth in China and South Korea based on seven mitochondrial gene sequences and eight microsatellite loci. Our analyses showed that populations in and near Chengdu, Sichuan province of southwest China had the highest nucleotide diversity. Three southwest populations were divided into three different groups, while the other populations were clustered into one group with an isolation-by-distance pattern. Two major mitochondrial DNA clades were present in the phylogenetic tree, one of which was formed by haplotypes mainly from the Chengdu population. The haplotype network revealed two geographical clades, corresponding to the southern and central China populations, and five geographically mixed clades. Our analysis indicated that the oriental fruit moth was originated from the southwest region of China and then dispersed to east and north regions in two routes, which is consistent with the dissemination of its host plant. Demographic analysis revealed that three past demographic expansions occurred at the time circa 200, 60 and 6.6 thousand years ago which corresponds to the immigrations of archaic humans and modern humans into East Asia and the prosperity of agriculture. Our study provided valuable insights into the history of the association of this agriculture pest with human evolution, as well as host plant dissemination.