ABSTRACT

Templeton has identified some of the salient effects of the genetic architecture underlying gene flow in his summary of the concepts associated with the genetics of speciation. The differentiation of gene pools of either pest or beneficial insects is central to the interpretation of evolutionary events. The same might be true of the biotypes known as "host races" in Rhagoletis pomonella, the apple maggot, if timing of emergence is enough to reproductively isolate the gene pools of adults flies. These examples and others are enough to point out that evolutionary considerations can affect insect management programs, an impact which cannot be taken lightly. Alternatively, one might design plant genes to be better at attracting beneficial insects to them when damaged. Understanding the interaction of host-plant molecules with pest or beneficial biochemical systems, for example, might enable unique genetic engineering approaches to be considered in which special molecules are constructed for specific attractions or interactions.