Insight into weevil biology from a reference quality genome of the boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis grandis Boheman (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

The boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis grandis Boheman, is one of the most historically impactful insects due to its near destruction of the US cotton industry in the early 20th century. Contemporary efforts to manage this insect primarily use pheromone baited traps for detection and organophosphate insecticides for control, but this strategy is not sustainable due to financial and environmental costs. We present a high-quality boll weevil genome assembly, consisting of 306 scaffolds with approximately 24,000 annotated genes, as a first step in the identification of gene targets for novel pest control. Gene content and transposable element distribution are similar to those found in other Curculionidae genomes; however, this is the most contiguous and only assembly reported to date for a member in the species-rich genus Anthonomus. Transcriptome profiles across larval, pupal, and adult life stages led to identification of several genes and gene families that could present targets for novel control strategies.

Automated summary

The boll weevil, a historically impactful insect, nearly destroyed the US cotton industry in the early 20th century. Current management strategies using pheromone baited traps and insecticides are not sustainable, prompting the need for novel control methods. A high-quality genome assembly of the boll weevil was presented, providing valuable gene targets for future pest control. Transcriptome analysis identified potential genes and gene families for new control strategies.