Chromosome-scale genome assembly of the South American fruit fly, Anastrepha fraterculus sp.1

Abstract

Anastrepha fraterculus is a cryptic species complex with at least eight morphotypes distributed across the Americas. Among them, A. fraterculus sp.1, present in Argentina, is a major pest impacting fresh fruit production. Integrated pest management strategies, including chemical control and trapping, are currently employed to mitigate its effects. Genetic sexing strains of A. fraterculus sp.1 are being evaluated for use in sterile insect technique programs. To support traditional and emerging control methods, this study aimed to enhance the genomic understanding of this morphotype. Individual female and male samples were sequenced using long- and short-read technologies. The female genome (760 Mb) was de novo assembled into 58 scaffolds and the male genome (750 Mb) into 68 scaffolds, with BUSCO completeness scores of 98.8% and 98.7%, respectively. Synteny analysis revealed complete scaffolds of the five autosomes and enabled near-complete reconstruction of the X and Y chromosomes. Gene prediction identified 17 751 and 16 535 protein-coding genes (for female and male genomes, respectively), with repetitive regions representing 46% of both genomes. Additionally, the mitochondrial genome was fully assembled and annotated. This comprehensive genomic resource reveals candidate genes for functional studies, including gene editing and RNA interference, as successfully applied in related tephritid species. These findings lay the foundation for innovative, complementary biocontrol tools against A. fraterculus.