Characterization and analysis of the full-length transcriptome of Frankliniella occidentalis (Thysanoptera: Thripidae)

BACKGROUND: Frankliniella occidentalis, an insect belonging to the order Thysanoptera, causes severe damage to agricultural and horticultural crops, resulting in significant economic losses worldwide. The development of molecular and sequencing technologies has helped elucidate the molecular mechanisms regulating its growth and development as well as its damaging activity. However, much remains to be explored. To further investigate the molecular complexity of this species, we sequenced the full-length transcriptome of mixed samples obtained from specimens at all developmental stages. RESULTS: Of all transcripts, 89.04% matched with the reference genome; additionally, 29,750 alternative splicing events, 2,342 genes with poly(A) sites, and 153 candidate fusion transcript events were identified, and 4,235 long noncoding RNAs were discovered. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first full-length transcriptome of F. occidentalis reported to date. This study greatly contributes to the understanding of the molecular complexity and diversity of this insect, providing a basis to develop specific molecular targets as well as resources for gene function studies in other insects.