Data from: Regular or covert sex defines two lineages and worldwide superclones within the leaf-curl plum aphid (Brachycaudus helichrysi, Kaltenbach)

Asexual reproduction occurs widely in plants and animals, particularly in
insects. Aphid species usually reproduce by cyclic parthenogenesis, but
many species include obligate asexual lineages. We recently showed that
the leaf-curl plum aphid, Brachycaudus helichrysi, actually encompasses
two lineages, B. helichrysi H1 and H2. Ecological data suggest that these
lineages have different life cycles. We conducted a large population
genetic study, based on 14 microsatellite loci, to infer their respective
life cycles and investigate their population structure and geographic
distribution. Brachycaudus helichrysi H1 displayed the genetic signature
of cyclical parthenogenesis, using plum trees as primary hosts for sexual
reproduction, as classically described for B. helichrysi. This global
survey showed that the Central Asian population of H1 was clearly
differentiated from American - European populations. By contrast, B.
helichrysi H2 displayed the typical signature of obligate asexual
reproduction. H2 encompassed at least eight highly successful genotypes or
superclones. This lack of ability to undergo sexual reproduction was
confirmed for one of the superclones by sex induction experiments. We
found only one B. helichrysi H2 population that underwent sexual
reproduction, which was collected from peach trees, in Northern India. Our
results confirm that H1 and H2 have different life cycles. Brachycaudus
helichrysi H1 is clearly heteroecious using plum trees as primary hosts
while B. helichrysi H2 encompasses several anholocyclic lineages and some
heteroecious populations that until now have only been found associated
with peach trees as primary hosts. We discuss implications of these
findings for the pest status of B. helichrysi lineages.