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Integrative taxonomy versus taxonomic authority without peer review: the case of the Oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Tephritidae)


Citation

Schutze, Mark K. and Bourtzis, Kostas and Cameron, Stephen L. and Clarke, Anthony R. and Meyer, Marc De and Hee, Alvin K. W. and Hendrichs, Jorge and Krosch, Matthew N. and Mwatawala, Maulid (2017) Integrative taxonomy versus taxonomic authority without peer review: the case of the Oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Tephritidae). Systematic Entomology, 42 (4). pp. 609-620. ISSN 0307-6970; ESSN: 1365-3113

Abstract

1.Major global horticultural and food security tephritid fruit fly pests, Bactrocera papayae (papaya fruit fly) and B. invadens (invasive fruit fly), were synonymised with B. dorsalis (Oriental fruit fly) by Schutze et al. (2015a) based on extensive integrative taxonomic evidence from multiple sources. This synonymy was peer reviewed by eight independent experts. 2. Drew & Romig (2016) withdrew B. papayae and B. invadens from synonymy based on opinion drawn primarily from disparate geographical distribution, morphological, and host use information. This reversal was not subjected to peer review. 3. We consider the withdrawal from synonymy as invalid due to significant errors and misrepresentations of the literature provided in the arguments of Drew & Romig (2016) that we propose would not have withstood peer scrutiny. 4. This case reflects a broader issue of individual taxonomic authorities using opinion to challenge extensive evidence generated via scientific hypothesis‐testing methods by discipline specialists. 5. We recommend that taxonomic acts not subjected to peer review, especially of pest species, be actively discouraged by the broader scientific and regulatory community.


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Additional Metadata

Item Type: Article
Divisions: Faculty of Science
DOI Number: https://doi.org/10.1111/syen.12250
Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing
Keywords: Integrative taxonomy; Taxonomic authority; Fruit fly; Fruit fly pests
Depositing User: Nurul Ainie Mokhtar
Date Deposited: 06 Mar 2020 08:29
Last Modified: 06 Mar 2020 08:29
Altmetrics: http://www.altmetric.com/details.php?domain=psasir.upm.edu.my&doi=10.1111/syen.12250
URI: http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/54521
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