Transcriptional-plasticity
Guides
Daktulosphaira
grape phylloxera
Daktulosphaira is a genus of phylloxerid insects within Hemiptera, containing the economically devastating grape phylloxera D. vitifoliae. Members are small, aphid-like insects that induce distinctive galls on grapevines (Vitis spp.) and are obligate specialists on this host genus. The genus is notable for extremely high transcriptional plasticity when transferred between host genotypes, with over one-third of expressed genes showing differential expression. D. vitifoliae exhibits both root-feeding and leaf-galling forms, with complex life cycles involving parthenogenetic and sexual reproduction. The genus is native to eastern North America but has become a global pest of commercial viticulture.
Daktulosphaira vitifoliae
Grape Phylloxera
Daktulosphaira vitifoliae, commonly known as grape phylloxera, is a minute aphid-like insect in the family Phylloxeridae that is the most destructive pest of commercial grapevines worldwide. Native to eastern North America, it was accidentally introduced to Europe in the 1860s, where it devastated Vitis vinifera vineyards and nearly destroyed the wine industry. The insect has a complex life cycle involving both root-feeding and leaf-galling forms, with high transcriptional plasticity enabling rapid adaptation to different host grapevine genotypes. It reproduces parthenogenetically for most generations but can produce sexual forms and overwintering eggs under certain conditions.
Myzus cerasi
black cherry aphid, cherry blackfly
Myzus cerasi, commonly known as the black cherry aphid or cherry blackfly, is a phloem-feeding aphid native to Europe that has become cosmopolitan in distribution. The species exhibits complex host alternation between primary hosts (Prunus cerasus and Prunus avium) and secondary hosts (Galium and Veronica species). Two host-specific subspecies are recognized: M. c. cerasi on sour cherry and M. c. pruniavium on sweet cherry, distinguished by mitochondrial COI haplotypes and subtle morphological differences. The species is a significant agricultural pest of cherry orchards, forming dense colonies that cause leaf curling and damage to new growth.