Genetic and epigenetic mechanisms of rapid host adaptation in the aphid parasitoid Aphidius ervi

• Applicants: Professor Dr. Jürgen Gadau; Dr. Lukas Schrader
• Subject Area: Evolution and Systematics of Plants and Fungi ; Evolution, Anthropology
• Term: from 2018 to 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 403980864

The basic evolutionary question addressed by the proposed research is how parasites rapid adaptations to a single host species can evolve in parasitic species. We aim to use the parasitoid wasp Aphidius ervi as a model to understand the molecular mechanisms conferring specialization. In particular, we are interested what role phenotypic plasticity and genetic selection play during this process and whether these two mechanisms interact. For this, we will conduct artificial evolution experiments, where parasites will be forced to either use the same host over at least twenty generations or switch hosts regularly.

• DFG Programme: Priority Programmes
• Subproject of: SPP 1819: Rapid evolutionary adaptation: Potential and constraints