Characterization of Conserved MicroRNAs in Avocado Seed Weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Abstract

Simple Summary Avocado-associated weevils are economically important pests, but little is known about the molecules that regulate their genes. MicroRNAs are short RNA molecules that help control gene activity and participate in many biological processes. We analyzed sequencing data from adult females and males of Conotrachelus perseae and Heilipus lauri, as well as adult females of Conotrachelus aguacatae, to identify putative conserved microRNA annotations and compare their occurrence among these insects. We detected 31 putative conserved microRNAs, of which 20 were found in all five sample groups analyzed, indicating that the three species share a substantial set of these regulatory molecules. MicroRNA-276-5p was the most abundant in the female and male libraries of H. lauri and C. perseae, whereas microRNA-8-5p was predominant in female C. aguacatae. Because each species and sex was represented by a single pooled sample and identification was based on comparison with sequences reported in another beetle, these findings are descriptive and require further confirmation. Nevertheless, this study provides an initial molecular resource for these avocado-associated weevils and identifies candidate microRNAs for future research on their biology and the development of more targeted pest-management strategies.