Hyper-susceptibility to deltamethrin in para DDT resistant Drosophila melanogaster

The extensively studied para gene encodes a α-subunit of the voltage-activated sodium channel in Drosophila melanogaster, which is the documented target site of DDT and pyrethroid insecticides. The para^ts-1 fruit fly line carries a recessive sex-linked insecticide-resistance trait (para^ts-1 allele) that has been defined on the basis of the behavioral phenotype of temperature-sensitive paralysis. We have determined that para^ts-1 confers hyper-susceptibility to deltamethrin in addition to the previously annotated resistance to DDT, revealing the presence of negative cross-resistance. We investigated the potential use of negative cross-resistance shifting para^ts-1 gene frequencies in D. melanogaster populations. After five generations of selection, the para^ts-1 allele, respectively, became more or less frequent whether Drosophila populations were selected with DDT or deltamethrin.     

Deletion of Cyp6d4 does not alter toxicity of insecticides to Drosophila melanogaster

Cytochrome P450-dependent monooxygenases are important in the activation and detoxification of numerous insecticides. In this study, a Drosophila melanogaster Cyp6d4 null mutant was used to determine the role of this P450 in insecticide metabolism. This null mutant was generated by imprecise excision of a mobile P element located upstream to the P450 gene Cyp6d4. Comparative analysis between the non-functional mutant and relevant control strains shows that Cyp6d4 does not appear to be involved in the metabolism of chlorfenapyr, cypermethrin, diazinon, imidacloprid, malathion, oxamyl, parathion, or pyrethrum extract, even though these insecticides are known to be activated or detoxified by P450-monooxygenases. No obvious abnormalities in development were seen in the Cyp6d4 null mutant, indicating that Cyp6d4 is not critical for the metabolism of vital endogenous substrates.     

Arginine kinase of the sheep blowfly Lucilia cuprina: Gene identification and characterization of the native and recombinant enzyme

Arginine kinase (ATP:l-arginine ω-N-phosphotransferase, EC2.7.3.3.; AK) is an enzyme with crucial functions in the energy metabolism of insects and other invertebrates as well as some protozoa and has been proposed as a parasiticidal and pesticidal drug target. In this study we report the identification, cDNA cloning, genomic gene structure and functional expression of an AK gene from the parasitic sheep blowfly Lucilia (L.) cuprina. The blowfly AK-encoding gene is devoid of introns and present in a single copy in the L. cuprina genome. AK is present in L. cuprina flies as a highly expressed soluble enzyme and is more abundant in the thorax, where it represents up to 2% of the total soluble protein, compared to head or abdomen. Guanidino substrate specificity studies show that L. cuprina AK is stereospecific for the l-form over the d-form of its specific substrate arginine. Furthermore, the presence of a free or esterified carboxylic group as well as an unsubstituted α-amine group are essential for acceptance of the l-arginine substrate while modifications in the aliphatic side chain are better tolerated. The apparent Michaelis-Menten constants K_M and the molecular size of the recombinant enzyme are virtually identical to that of the native enzyme suggesting that the gene cloned in this study encodes the highly expressed AK enzyme of the sheep blowfly.     

The biochemical basis of resistance to organophosphorus insecticides in the sheep blowfly, Lucilia cuprina

The metabolism in vivo and in vitro of [¹⁴C]parathion and [¹⁴C]paraoxon was studied in a susceptible (LS) and an organophosphorus-resistant (Q) strain of the sheep blowfly, Lucilia cuprina. Both strains detoxified the insecticides in vivo via a number of pathways, but the resistant strain produced more of the metabolites diethyl phosphate and diethyl phosphorothionate. No difference was found between strains in the rate of penetration of the compounds used. Also, in vitro studies showed no difference between strains in the sensitivity of head acetylcholinesterase to inhibition by paraoxon. Both the microsomal and the 100,000g supernatant fractions degraded paraoxon, but resistance in Q could be explained by the eightfold greater rate of diethyl phosphate production with or without added NADPH. Parathion was also degraded to diethyl phosphorothionate by an NADPH-requiring enzyme in microsomal preparations from both strains. However, Q produced significantly more diethyl phosphorothionate in vivo than LS. It was concluded that organophosphorus resistance in Q was due mainly to a microsomal phosphatase hydrolyzing phosphate but not phosphorothionate esters, probably enhanced by a microsomal oxidase detoxifying the latter.     

Indoxacarb resistance in the house fly, Musca domestica

Indoxacarb (DPX-MP062) is a recently introduced oxadiazine insecticide with activity against a wide range of pests, including house flies. It is metabolically decarbomethoxylated to DCJW. Selection of field collected house flies with indoxacarb produced a New York indoxacarb-resistant (NYINDR) strain with >118-fold resistance after three generations. Resistance in NYINDR could be partially overcome with the P450 inhibitor piperonyl butoxide (PBO), but the synergists diethyl maleate and S,S,S-tributyl phosphorothioate did not alter expression of the resistance, suggesting P450 monooxygenases, but not esterases or glutathione S-transferases are involved in the indoxacarb resistance. Conversely, the NYINDR strain showed only 3.2-fold resistance to DCJW, and this resistance could be suppressed with PBO. Only limited levels of cross-resistance were detected to pyrethroid, organophosphate, carbamate or chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticides in NYINDR. Indoxacarb resistance in the NYINDR strain was inherited primarily as a completely recessive trait. Analysis of the phenotypes vs. mortality data revealed that the major factor for indoxacarb resistance is located on autosome 4 with a minor factor on autosome 3. It appears these genes have not previously been associated with insecticide resistance.     

抗吡虫啉桃蚜种群的选育及其交互抗性研究

采用浸渍法,在室内用吡虫啉对桃蚜敏感种群进行抗性选育,经过15代的连续汰选,获得抗性指数为14.34倍的抗吡虫啉桃蚜种群。对9种常用杀虫剂的交互抗性测定结果表明,该种群对拟除虫菊酯类如高效氯氟氰菊酯(抗性指数12.76倍)和溴氰菊酯(10.24倍),有机磷类如氧乐果(7.95倍)、辛硫磷(5.44倍)和甲胺磷(5.32倍)以及吡虫啉·高效氯氰菊酯混剂(8.90倍)均产生了不同程度的交互抗性,而对氨基甲酸酯类如灭多威(3.15倍)、有机氯类如硫丹(1.64倍)以及阿维菌素·辛硫磷混剂(2.31倍)等无明显的交互抗性。     

Mechanism of resistance to fenoxaprop in Japanese foxtail (Alopecurus japonicus) from China

Japanese foxtail is one of the most common and troublesome weeds infesting cereal and oilseed rape fields in China. Repeated use during the last three decades of the ACCase-inhibiting herbicide fenoxaprop-P-ethyl to control this weed has resulted in the occurrence of resistance. Dose–response tests established that a population (AHFD-1) from eastern China had evolved high-level resistance to fenoxaprop-P-ethyl. Based on the resistance index, this resistant population of A. japonicus is 60.31-fold resistant to fenoxaprop-P-ethyl. Subsequently, only a tryptophan to cysteine substitution was identified to confer resistance to fenoxaprop-P-ethyl in this resistant population. ACCase activity tests further confirmed this substitution was linked to resistance. This is the first report of the occurrence of Trp-2027-Cys substitution of ACCase in A. japonicus. From whole-plant pot dose–response tests, we confirmed that this population conferred resistance to other APP herbicides, including clodinafop-propargyl, fluazifop-P-butyl, quizalofop-P-ethyl, haloxyfop-R-methyl, cyhalofop-butyl, metamifop, DEN herbicide pinoxaden, but not to CHD herbicides clethodim, sethoxydim. There was also no resistance observed to ALS-inhibiting herbicides sulfosulfuron, mesosulfuron-methyl, flucarbazone-sodium, pyroxsulam, Triazine herbicide prometryne and glyphosate. However, this resistant population was likely to confer slightly (or no) resistant to Urea herbicides chlortoluron and isoproturon.     

Prevention of progeny formation in Drosophila melanogaster by 1-arylimidazole-2(3H)-thiones

Effects of 1-arylimidazole-2(3H)-thiones (AITs) and 1-(substituted benzyl)imidazole-2(3H)-thiones (BITs) were tested on progeny formation in Drosophila melanogaster. Some AITs showed inhibitory activities at laying eggs and delayed eclosion by 1 day. The inhibitory activity was nullified by adding octopamine (OA) or noradrenaline (NA) to the medium for progeny formation in D. melanogaster. The effect of AIT on the contents of OA and NA was analyzed in adults of D. melanogaster by high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. Flies fed with AIT decreased OA and NA levels and increased TA content. Taken together, the inhibitory activity of AIT could be due to inhibition of tyramine β-hydroxylase and dopamine β-hydroxylase.     

Adult Drosophila melanogaster glutathione S-transferases: Effects of acute treatment with methyl parathion

The effect of acute treatment of methyl parathion (MP) on the expression of BSP/GSH-agarose purified glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) in Drosophila melanogaster was investigated. Using 2-D gel analysis of the identified Epsilon-class, only DmGSTE6 (100%) and DmGSTE7 (72%) demonstrated significant increases in expression, suggesting the possibility that both may be involved in MP metabolism. A smaller percentage increase was also observed in DmGSTD1 (18%), a known DDT dehydrochlorinase, DmGSTE3 and DmGSTE9 and a putative Epsilon-class GST, CG16936, were shown not to be responsive to the challenge. Our finding demonstrates that not all member of the Epsilon-class GST, which are known for their role in insecticide resistance, are immediately responsive to this toxic challenge.     

Differential metabolism of sulfoximine and neonicotinoid insecticides by Drosophila melanogaster monooxygenase CYP6G1

Sulfoxaflor [N-[methyloxido[1-[6-(trifluoromethyl)-3-pyridinyl]ethyl]-λ⁴-sulfanylidene] cyanamide] is in development as the first product from the new sulfoximine class of insect control agents. Highly effective against a variety of sap-feeding pest insects, available data indicate no cross-resistance to sulfoxaflor in pest insect strains that exhibit high levels of resistance to neonicotinoids and other insecticides. In vitro studies of the cytochrome P450 monooxygenase CYP6G1 from Drosophila melanogaster, expressed in a Drosophila cell line, show very high levels of metabolism for a variety of neonicotinoids, but not for sulfoxaflor and its chloropyridine-analog. A sulfoxaflor analog with nitrogen in place of the carbon in the bridge between the pyridine and sulfoximine moiety shows a modest degree of metabolism. In silico homology modeling of the CYP6G1 with the sulfoximines and neonicotinoids suggests that steric effects may limit interactions of the sulfoximines with the reactive heme-oxo complex. A distinct relationship was identified for the summed Hückel charges and the degree of metabolism observed. These observations help explain the lack of sulfoxaflor metabolism by CYP6G1, and in turn provide a basis for the lack of cross-resistance to sulfoxaflor in insecticide resistant strains of pest insects.     

Insecticide resistance and,efficacy of space spraying and larviciding in the control of dengue vectors Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus in Sri Lanka

Unprecedented incidence of dengue has been recorded in Sri Lanka in recent times. Source reduction and use of insecticides in space spraying/fogging and larviciding, are the primary means of controlling the vector mosquitoes Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus in the island nation. A study was carried out to understand insecticide cross-resistance spectra and mechanisms of insecticide resistance of both these vectors from six administrative districts, i.e. Kandy, Kurunegala, Puttalam, Gampaha, Ratnapura and Jaffna, of Sri Lanka. Efficacy of the recommended dosages of frequently used insecticides in space spraying and larviciding in dengue vector control programmes was also tested.     

Resistance in the highly DDT-resistant 91-R strain of Drosophila melanogaster involves decreased penetration,increased metabolism,and direct excretion

Resistance to 4,4′-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) in the 91-R strain of Drosophila melanogaster is extremely high compared to the susceptible Canton-S strain (>1500 times). In addition to enhanced oxidative detoxification, the 91-R strain also has a reduced rate of DDT penetration, increased levels of reductive and conjugative metabolism, and substantially more excretion than the Canton-S strain. Contact penetration of DDT was ∼30% less with 91-R flies, which also had significantly more cuticular hydrocarbons and a thicker, more laminated cuticle compared to Canton-S flies, possibly resulting in penetration differences. DDT was metabolized ∼1.6-fold more extensively by 91-R than Canton-S flies, resulting in dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane (DDD), two unidentified metabolites and polar conjugates being formed in significantly greater amounts. 91-R flies also excreted ∼4-fold more DDT and metabolites than Canton-S flies. Verapamil pretreatment reduced the LD₅₀ value for 91-R flies topically dosed with DDT by a factor of 10-fold, indicating that the increased excretion may involve, in part, ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters. In summary, DDT resistance in 91-R is polyfactorial and includes reduced penetration, increased detoxification and direct excretion.     

Inhibitory effect of valienamine on the enzymatic activity of honeybee (Apis cerana Fabr.) α-glucosidase

Valienamine, an aminocyclitol with similar configuration to α-glucose, has a strong inhibitory effect on α-glucosidase. α-Glucosidase plays an important role in insect carbohydrate metabolism. The inhibitory effect of valienamine on the enzymatic activity of honeybee (Apis cerana Fabr.) α-glucosidase was investigated. Our results show that valienamine inhibition of honeybee α-glucosidase was pH- and dose-dependent, but temperature-independent. Valienamine is shown to be a potent and competitive reversible inhibitor of honeybee α-glucosidase in vitro with an IC₅₀ value of 5.22 × 10⁻⁵ M and K_i value of 3.54 × 10⁻⁴ M at pH 6.5, 45 °C. Valienamine has the potential to be developed into novel insecticides.     

The in vitro degradation of [14C]malathion by enzymatic extracts from resistant and susceptible strains of Drosophila melanogaster

Enzyme preparations from Drosophila melanogaster flies degraded [¹⁴C]malathion to α- and β-malathion monoacids and, hence, were considered to contain malathion carboxylesterase (ME) activity. Although ME- activity was stable during preincubation in the absence of malathion, it decreased dramatically during the course of the reaction, and could not be completely recovered by Sephadex G-25 chromatography. Furthermore, the protein fraction after chromatography still contained ¹⁴C, suggesting that the enzyme had become inhibited by a bound, ¹⁴C-labeled derivative. Extracts from a resistant (malathion-selected), an intermediate control, and the susceptible Canton S strains of D. melanogaster differed in the lability of ME activity during the reaction. This difference was partly attributed to the production of small amounts of malaoxon (2–8%) by the extracts from the more resistant strains. No consistent strain differences were found when the rate of malathion degradation was measured during the first minute of reaction, either with or without a microsomal oxidase inhibitor (metyrapone) present. These results, together with the cross-resistance of the malathion-selected strain to other insecticides and the lack of a synergistic effect of two carboxylesterase inhibitors (triphenyl phosphate and S,S,S-tributylphosphorotrithioate) suggested that malathion carboxylesterase does not contribute significantly to the observed differences in malathion resistance between strains.     

Insecticide resistance in the tropical bedbug Cimex hemipterus

Insecticide resistance in the bedbug Cimex hemipterus was investigated using 4211 bedbugs collected from three districts of Sri Lanka. Insecticide bioassays were carried out with discriminating dosages of deltamethrin, permethrin, DDT, malathion, and propoxur. Activity levels of insecticide metabolizing enzymes and the insecticide target site acetylcholinesterase were monitored using biochemical assays. Percentage survivals after DDT, malathion, and propoxur exposure were 41-88%, 18-64%, and 11-41%, respectively. For deltamethrin and permethrin, KT₅₀/KT₉₀ (time to knock-down 50%/90% of the population) values were 0.5-24/1.0-58 and 1.3-10/2.5-47 h, respectively. Both elevated esterase and malathion carboxylesterase mechanisms were present in bedbug populations. Monooxygenase levels were heterogeneous. Organophosphate and carbamate target site acetylcholinesterase, was insensitive in 29-44% of the populations. High DDT resistance was probably due to glutathione S-transferases. Malathion carboxylesterases are mainly responsible for high malathion resistance. High tolerance to both DDT and pyrethroids suggests the presence of ‘kdr’ type resistance mechanism in one population.     

抗啶酰菌胺蔬菜灰霉病菌突变体的诱导及其生物学性状

为评价蔬菜灰霉病菌对啶酰菌胺的抗性风险,采用紫外线照射和药剂驯化相结合的诱导方法,对蔬菜灰霉病菌D9、L17、J9亲本敏感菌株进行了室内啶酰菌胺抗性诱导,并采用菌落直径法比较了抗、感菌株在生物学性状方面的差异。结果显示,共获得不同抗性水平的突变体23株,其中突变体D9-4的抗性倍数为253.76倍,达高抗水平。突变体菌丝生长速率较敏感菌株有所下降,抗、感菌株的适宜生长温度均为25 ℃,敏感菌株最适pH为5,突变体最适pH为7,突变体适应酸碱度和温度变化的能力较敏感菌株差;低抗突变体产孢量和孢子萌发率与敏感菌株无显著差异,但高抗突变体产孢量和孢子萌发率较敏感菌株显著降低;在无药条件下,敏感菌株致病力强于抗性突变体,而在药剂胁迫下,突变体表现出一定的耐药性,致病力强于敏感菌株;6株突变体无药继代培养15代后,突变体抗性稳定遗传。此外,蔬菜灰霉病菌对啶酰菌胺与其它5种杀菌剂之间没有交互抗性。研究表明,蔬菜灰霉病菌抗啶酰菌胺突变体适合度较低,但在药剂选择压力下容易形成啶酰菌胺抗性群体,在生产中需引起注意。     

西花蓟马抗甲氨基阿维菌素苯甲酸盐种群的交互抗性与生化抗性机制

为了解西花蓟马Frankliniella occidentalis(Pergande)对甲氨基阿维菌素苯甲酸盐的抗性风险,采用生物和生化测定方法研究了西花蓟马甲维盐抗性种群与其它杀虫剂的交互抗性和生化抗性机制。西花蓟马甲维盐抗性种群对阿维菌素有高水平交互抗性,抗性倍数为31.656,对啶虫脒有中等水平交互抗性,为12.182,对吡虫啉、溴虫腈、氯氟氰菊酯、毒死蜱和灭多威有低水平交互抗性,为5.517~8.568,而对多杀菌素无明显交互抗性。增效剂胡椒基丁醚(PBO)、马来酸二乙酯(DEM)、三丁基三硫磷酸酯(DEF)和磷酸三苯酯(TPP)对甲维盐抗性种群和田间种群均有显著增效作用。甲维盐抗性种群多功能氧化酶细胞色素P₄₅₀和b₅含量、O-脱甲基酶、谷胱甘肽S-转移酶和羧酸酯酶活性均显著提高,分别为敏感种群的3.89、3.61、5.32、4.42和1.30倍,表明多功能氧化酶、谷胱甘肽S-转移酶和羧酸酯酶等解毒代谢酶活性的提高是西花蓟马对甲维盐产生抗性的重要机制。     

黄瓜白粉病菌对甲基硫菌灵的敏感性及室内抗性突变体生物学性状

为明确山西省黄瓜白粉病菌对甲基硫菌灵的抗药性现状,采用叶盘漂浮法测定了不同地区119株菌株对甲基硫菌灵的敏感性,用紫外线照射和药剂驯化方式诱导获得了甲基硫菌灵抗性突变体,并比较了亲本菌株与突变体的生物学性状。结果表明,119株菌株的EC50在0.48~14.37μg/m L之间,平均EC50为2.89±2.69μg/m L。不同地区菌株敏感性差异较大,采自未使用过任何杀菌剂的忻州市菌株敏感性最高,平均EC50为1.03±0.27μg/m L,可作为黄瓜白粉病菌对甲基硫菌灵的敏感基线;运城市菌株敏感性最低,平均EC50为7.02±3.12μg/m L,其中菌株YC01的EC50是敏感基线的13.98倍。3株室内诱导突变体均为高抗,突变体XZ11-2的抗性倍数达到94.96倍,抗性突变频率为1.5×10-3。无药剂处理条件下,突变体的侵染频率、病情指数、产孢量和孢子萌发率均显著低于亲本敏感菌株;抗∶感菌株分生孢子以80∶20混合培养7代后,抗性菌株频率变化不明显;以20∶80混合培养7代后,抗性频率降低甚至消失。表明黄瓜白粉病菌对甲基硫菌灵的抗性在选择压力低的情况下有可能丧失。     

Resistance selection and mechanisms of oriental tobacco budworm (Helicoverpa assulta Guenee) to indoxacarb

The oriental tobacco budworm, Helicoverpa assulta, is one of the most destructive pests for numerous commercial crops, and these organisms are responsible for enormous economic losses in Chinese agriculture. Insect larvae often feed within host plant fruits, providing protection from many currently used insecticides and making field control of H. assulta very difficult. Owing to its novel mode of action, high insecticidal activity, and low mammalian toxicity, the nonsystemic insecticide indoxacarb has been considered a promising alternative for the control of lepidopterous pests of agricultural significance. Indoxacarb evidences an elevated insecticidal activity against H. assulta. After 13 generations of selection with indoxacarb and bifenthrin insecticides under laboratory conditions, the LC₅₀ of these compounds for H. assulta increased by 4.19-fold and 10.67-fold, respectively. The synergists diethyl maleate (DEM) and triphenyl phosphate (TPP) increased indoxacarb toxicity by 2.76-fold and 4.10-fold in resistant strains and, comparatively, 1.58-fold and 1.75-fold in susceptible strains, suggesting that carboxylesterase (CarE) and glutathione-S-transferases (GSTs) may be involved in the development of indoxacarb resistance in H. assulta. Activity and kinetic parameters observed in detoxification enzymes further demonstrated that the enhanced activity of CarE and GSTs may be critical in development of indoxacarb resistance in H. assulta. The data provides a foundation for further study of the indoxacarb resistance mechanism observed in H. assulta and the rational use of indoxacarb as a rotation insecticide with other insecticide classes for the control of H. assulta.