Antifeedant and sublethal effects of imidacloprid on Asian citrus psyllid,Diaphorina citri

BACKGROUND: Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, transmits the causal bacteria of the devastating citrus disease huanglongbing (HLB). Because of the variation in spatial and temporal uptake and systemic distribution of imidacloprid applied to citrus trees and its degradation over time in citrus trees, ACP adults and nymphs are exposed to concentrations that may not cause immediate mortality but rather sublethal effects. The objective of this laboratory study was to determine the effects of sublethal concentrations of imidacloprid on ACP life stages. RESULTS: Feeding by ACP adults and nymphs on plants treated daily with a sublethal concentration (0.1 µg mL^?1) of imidacloprid significantly decreased adult longevity (8 days), fecundity (33%) and fertility (6%), as well as nymph survival (12%) and developmental rate compared with untreated controls. The magnitude of these negative effects was directly related to exposure duration and concentration. Furthermore, ACP adults that fed on citrus leaves treated systemically with lethal and sublethal concentrations of imidacloprid excreted significantly less honeydew (7–94%) compared with controls in a concentration‐dependent manner suggesting antifeedant activity of imidacloprid. CONCLUSIONS: Sublethal concentrations of imidacloprid negatively affect development, reproduction, survival and longevity of ACP, which likely contributes to population reductions over time. Also, reduced feeding by ACP adults on plants treated with sublethal concentrations of imidacloprid may potentially decrease the capacity of ACP to successfully acquire and transmit the HLB causal pathogen. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

Monitoring neonicotinoid resistance in biotype B of Bemisia tabaci in Florida

BACKGROUND: Biotype B of the sweetpotato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Genn.), is a worldwide pest that has developed resistance to many insecticides, including the neonicotinoid class. Florida field populations were monitored for susceptibility to the neonicotinoids imidacloprid and thiamethoxam using a cut leaf petiole bioassay method. RESULTS: Average RR₅₀ values for imidacloprid increased from 3.7 in 2000 to 12.0 in 2003; decreased to 5.0 and 2.5 in 2004 and 2005, respectively; and then increased to 26.3 and 23.9 in 2006 and 2007, respectively. Populations with RR₅₀ values of about 50 to 60 during generation one reverted to RR₅₀ values of ?4 in six generations, when reared without further exposure to imidacloprid. Average RR₅₀ values for thiamethoxam increased from 2.0 in 2003 to 24.7 in 2006 and decreased to 10.4 in 2007. Populations with RR₅₀ values of about 22, 32 and 53 during generation one declined to 8, 5 and 6, respectively, after being reared for five generations without exposure to thiamethoxam. The correlation coefficient from the 26 populations that were bioassayed both with imidacloprid and thiamethoxam showed a significant positive correlation (R² = 0.58) between these populations. CONCLUSION: The high level of RR₅₀ values to imidacloprid and thiamethoxam suggest an unstable decline in the susceptibility of B. tabaci to imidacloprid and thiamethoxam, with possible cross‐resistance or predisposition for dual resistance selection. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

Nicotinoid and pyrethroid insecticide resistance in houseflies (Diptera: Muscidae) collected from Florida dairies

BACKGROUND: The housefly, Musca domestica L., continues to be a major pest of confined livestock operations. Houseflies have developed resistance to most chemical classes, and new chemistries for use in animal agriculture are increasingly slow to emerge. Five adult housefly strains from four Florida dairy farms were evaluated for resistance to four insecticides (beta‐cyfluthrin, permethrin, imidacloprid and nithiazine). RESULTS: Significant levels of tolerance were found in most field strains to all insecticides, and in some cases substantial resistance was apparent (as deduced from comparison with prior published results). At the LC₉₀ level, greater than 20‐fold resistance was found in two of the fly strains for permethrin and one fly strain for imidacloprid. Beta‐cyfluthrin LC₉₀ resistance ratios exceeded tenfold resistance in three fly strains. The relatively underutilized insecticide nithiazine had the lowest resistance ratios; however, fourfold LC₉₀ resistance was observed in one southern Florida fly strain. Farm insecticide use and its impact on resistance selection in Florida housefly populations are discussed. CONCLUSION: Housefly resistance to pyrethroids is widespread in Florida. Imidacloprid resistance is emerging, and tolerance was observed to both imidacloprid and nithiazine. If these insecticides are to retain efficacy, producer use must be restrained. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

Quantification and ecological study of ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’ in citrus hosts,rootstocks and the Asian citrus psyllid

The use of proper management strategies for citrus huanglongbing (HLB), caused by ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’ (Las) and transmitted by Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) (Diaphorina citri), is a priority issue. HLB control is based on healthy seedlings, tolerant rootstock cultivars and reduction of ACP populations. Here, dynamic populations of Las in different citrus hosts and each instar of ACP were studied, together with the seasonal growth and distribution of Las in different tissues, using conventional and TaqMan real‐time PCR. Different levels of susceptibility/tolerance to HLB were seen, resulting in different degrees of symptom severity and growth effects on hosts or rootstocks. Troyer citrange, Swingle citrumelo and wood apple were highly tolerant among 11 rootstock cultivars. Regarding distribution and seasonal analysis of Las, mature and old leaves contained high concentrations in cool temperatures in autumn and spring. Las was detected earlier through psyllid transmission than through graft inoculation, and the amounts of Las (AOL) varied in different hosts. Thus, different AOL (10⁴–10⁷ copy numbers μL^?1) and Las‐carrying percentages (LCP; 40–53.3%) were observed in each citrus cultivar and on psyllids, respectively. Furthermore, both AOL and LCP were lower in nymphs than in adult psyllids, whereas the LCP of psyllids were not affected by increasing the acquisition‐access time. The present study has significant implications for disease ecology. The combination of early detection, use of suitable rootstocks and constraint of psyllid populations could achieve better management of HLB disease.     

Species-specific insecticide resistance to imidacloprid and fipronil in the rice planthoppers Nilaparvata lugens and Sogatella furcifera in East and South-east Asia

BACKGROUND: In 2003 the development of insecticide resistance against neonicotinoids in the brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens (Stål) (Homoptera: Delphacidae), was first observed in Thailand and has since been found in other Asian countries such as Vietnam, China and Japan. However, the LD₅₀ values of BPH and the whitebacked planthopper (WBPH), Sogatella furcifera (Horváth), against both neonicotinoid and phenylpyrazole insecticides have been poorly reported in many Asian countries. RESULTS: The topical LD₅₀ values for imidacloprid in the BPH populations collected from East Asia (Japan, China, Taiwan) and Vietnam in 2006 were 4.3–24.2 µg g^?1 and were significantly higher than those collected from the Philippines (0.18–0.35 µg g^?1). The BPH populations indicated a positive cross‐resistance between imidacloprid and thiamethoxam. Almost all the WBPH populations from Japan, Taiwan, China, Vietnam and the Philippines had extremely large LD₅₀ values (19.7–239 µg g^?1 or more) for fipronil, except for several populations from the Philippines and China. CONCLUSION: Species‐specific changes in insecticide susceptibility were found in Asian rice planthoppers (i.e. BPH for imidacloprid and WBPH for fipronil). Insecticide resistance in BPH against imidacloprid occurred in East Asia and Indochina, but not in the Philippines. In contrast, insecticide resistance in WBPH against fipronil occurred widely in East and South‐east Asia. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry     

Lethal and sub-lethal effects of a novel sulfoximine insecticide,sulfoxaflor, against Asian citrus psyllid and its primary parasitoid under laboratory and field conditions

The Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, is the most important international pest of citrus because it transmits the bacteria that cause huanglongbing (HLB). HLB limits citrus production globally. We evaluated the toxicity of sulfoxalor against D. citri and its parasitoid, Tamarixia radiata Waterston. Sulfoxaflor was as toxic as imidacloprid to adult D. citri. The LC₅₀ values for sulfoxaflor and imidacloprid were 8.17 and 5.7 µg AI mL^?1, respectively. The LC₅₀ of sulfoxaflor for T. radiata adults was 3.3 times greater than for D. citri adults. Treatment with sulfoxaflor resulted in reduced oviposition, development of nymphs, and emergence of adult D. citri on plants, as compared with controls. The lowest concentration that reduced adult emergence was 0.6 µg AI mL^?1. There was reduced feeding by D. citri adults on leaves treated with sulfoxaflor. The residual toxicity of sulfoxaflor was equivalent to imidacloprid. Under field conditions, formulated sulfoxaflor reduced populations of D. citri compared with untreated controls. Sulfoxaflor is a novel mode of action and is an effective tool for D. citri management.     

柑橘木虱防控药剂筛选及矿物油对其增效作用评价

为了筛选柑橘木虱高效防控药剂,提高药剂防治效果,本文探索了 10种杀虫剂对柑橘木虱的田间防效及矿物油对杀虫剂的增效作用.结果表明:对柑橘木虱成虫,22％噻虫·高氯氟悬乳剂(SE)、70％吡虫啉可湿性粉剂(WP)、6％联菊·啶虫脒微乳剂(ME)和5％高效氯氟氰菊酯ME的速效性好,药后1 d防效94.61％～100％;22...     

Monitoring for imidacloprid resistance in the tobacco‐adapted form of the green peach aphid,Myzus persicae (Sulzer) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), in the eastern United States

BACKGROUND: Imidacloprid is the primary insecticide for controlling the tobacco‐adapted form of the green peach aphid (TGPA), Myzus persicae (Sulzer), a major pest of tobacco worldwide. This study used leaf‐dip bioassays to assess TGPA resistance to imidacloprid in the eastern United States from 2004 through 2007. RESULTS: When combined over the 4 year study, 18, 14 and 3% of the TGPA had imidacloprid resistance ratios (RRs) of 10–20‐fold, 20–30‐fold and 30–90‐fold, respectively, compared with the most susceptible colony tested. This indicates that some colonies have developed moderate levels of resistance to imidacloprid. A colony collected near Clayton, North Carolina, had the highest RR of 91 (LC₅₀ value = 31 mg L^?1). This resistance declined for six tests over a 3 year period in the laboratory culture from >130‐fold RR (LC₅₀ = 48 mg L^?1) to 40‐fold RR (LC₅₀ = 15 mg L^?1). Over the same period, the most susceptible colony and a standard colony not exposed to imidacloprid for over 7 years had consistently low LC₅₀ values. CONCLUSION: Moderate levels of resistance to imidacloprid are noticed among TGPA colonies from the eastern United States. The variation in resistance indicates that the factors responsible are present in the populations at low frequencies and are just not enough to cause field failures yet. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

Toxicity and dissipation of soil insecticides applied in the management of arecanut white grub, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Leucopholis burmeisteri</Emphasis> Brenk. (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae)

White grubs, Leucopholis spp. are subterranean pests of arecanut grown in South India. Grub infestation leads to yellowing, stem tapering, and crown size and yield reduction. Use of chemical insecticide to mage the white grubs gives varying degree of success. Hence an attempt was made to screen newer and safer insecticides. Imidacloprid (LC₅₀ at 120 h = 16.849 ppm on III instar larvae), chlorpyriphos (LC₅₀ = 14.242) and bifenthrin (LC₅₀ = 12.797 ppm) were identified as effective insecticides. Evaluation of these insecticide in the field over two year period indicated the following efficacy in reducing larval population: chlorpyriphos @ 4 kg a.i/ha (83.31%) > bifenthrin @ 4 kg a.i./ha (82.83%) > imidacloprid @ 0.24 kg a.i./ha (75.84%) > bifenthrin @ 2 kg a.i./ ha (74.26%) > chlorpyriphos @ 2 kg a.i./ha (69.15%) > chlorpyriphos @ 1 kg a.i./ha (61.79%) > imidacloprid @ 0.12 kg a.i./ha (56.54%) > bifenthrin @ 1 kg a.i./ha (54.34%) > imidacloprid @ 0.06 kg a.i./ha (41.47%). Bifenthrin in soil persisted for a longer period than chlorpyriphos. On the day of application, 59.46 ppm bifenthrin residue was recovered from soil. On 10th day, it was 7.29 ppm which decreased to 2.59 ppm on 30th day and was beyond detection limit on 65th day. Chlorpyriphos exhibited a rapid degradation in the initial stage; 27.46 ppm residue on the day of application, which further reduced to 0.964 ppm on 10th day, and was below the detection limit on the 30th day. Growth of Trichoderma harzianum was not affected by bifenthrin even up to 40 ppm concentration. However, chlorpyriphos affected the growth of Trichoderma at higher than 5 ppm dose. Similarly, imidacloprid inhibited the colony growth from 2 ppm onwards. Having high lipophylic property and contact toxicity, bifenthrin would be an ideal alternative insecticide to chlorpyriphos for the management of white grubs in palm garden, which is safe and long persisting.     

Effect of Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus infection on susceptibility of Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri, to selected insecticides

BACKGROUND: In the present investigation, the effect of Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (Las), a bacterium considered to be responsible for causing huanglongbing (HLB) disease in citrus, on the physiology of its vector, the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, was determined. Specifically, the effects of Las infection on the susceptibility of ACP to selected insecticides were determined. Furthermore, total protein content and general esterase activity were quantified in Las‐infected and uninfected ACP to gain insight into the possible mechanism(s) responsible for altered susceptibility to insecticides owing to Las infection. RESULTS: LC₅₀ values were significantly lower in Las‐infected than in uninfected ACP adults for chlorpyrifos and spinetoram. Furthermore, there was a general trend towards lower LC₅₀ values for three other insecticides for Las‐infected ACP; however, the differences were not statistically significant. Total protein content (µg mL^?1) was significantly lower in Las‐infected (23.5 ± 1.3 in head + thorax; 27.7 ± 1.9 in abdomen) than in uninfected (29.7 ± 2.1 in head + thorax; 35.0 ± 2.3 in abdomen) ACP. Likewise, general esterase enzyme activity (nmol min^?1 mg^?1 protein) was significantly lower in Las‐infected (111.6 ± 4.5 in head + thorax; 109.5 ± 3.7 in abdomen) than in uninfected (135.9 ± 7.5 in head + thorax; 206.1 ± 23.7 in abdomen) ACP. CONCLUSION: Susceptibility of ACP to selected insecticides from five major chemistries was greater in Las‐infected than in uninfected ACP. The lower total protein content and reduced general esterase activity in Las‐infected than in uninfected ACP may partly explain the observed higher insecticide susceptibility of Las‐infected ACP. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

Fitness cost, cross resistance and realized heritability of resistance to imidacloprid in Spodoptera litura (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Imidacloprid has been used as a key insecticide for controlling sucking insect pests of cotton, whereas Spodoptera litura also has been indirectly exposed to this insecticide in Pakistan. To evaluate the risk of resistance evolution and to develop a better resistance management strategy, a field collected population was selected with imidacloprid in the laboratory. Thereafter, fitness cost, realized heritability and cross resistance of imidacloprid resistance in S. litura were investigated. After 14 generations of selection with imidacloprid, S. litura developed a 137.48-fold resistance to the insecticide. Bioassay revealed that this strain showed cross-resistance to acetamiprid (RR 8.52) and a little to lamdacyhalothrin (1.92) but negative cross-resistance was found to methomyl (−0.19). The resistant strain had a relative fitness of 0.38, with substantially lower rates of larval survival, larval duration, male pupal duration, development time, emergence rate of healthy adults, fecundity, hatchability, and prolonged larval and pupal duration. Mean relative growth rate of the larvae, intrinsic rate of population increase, and biotic potential was lower for the selected populations. The estimated realized heritability (h²) of imidacloprid resistance was 0.15 in the resistant strain of S. litura. Development of the resistance may cost significant fitness for the resistant population. This study provided valuable information for further understanding the impact of imidacloprid resistance on physiological parameters of S. litura and for facilitating the development of resistance management strategies.     

Effect of pyriproxyfen,a juvenile hormone mimic,on egg hatch,nymph development,adult emergence and reproduction of the Asian citrus psyllid,Diaphorina citri Kuwayama

BACKGROUND: The Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, is a vector of bacteria presumably responsible for huanglongbing (HLB) disease in citrus. In this laboratory study, an investigation was made of the activity of pyriproxyfen, a juvenile hormone mimic, on ACP eggs, nymphs and adults to evaluate its potential as a biorational insecticide for inclusion in an integrated pest management (IPM) program for ACP. RESULTS: Irrespective of egg age, timing or method of treatment, a significantly lower percentage of eggs (5–29%) hatched after exposure to 64 and 128 µg mL^?1 of pyriproxyfen. Only 0–36% of early instars (first, second and third) and 25–74% of late instars (fourth and fifth) survived to adults following exposure to 16, 32 and 64 µg mL^?1 of pyriproxyfen. However, 15–20% of adults that emerged following treatment as late instars exhibited morphological abnormalities. Furthermore, pyriproxyfen adversely affected reproduction (fecundity and fertility) of adults that emerged from treated fifth instars or that were treated topically with 0.04 µg as adults. CONCLUSIONS: Application of pyriproxyfen at 64 µg mL^?1 resulted in greater inhibition of egg hatch and suppression of adult emergence compared with lower rates. Pyriproxyfen also markedly reduced female fecundity and egg viability for adults that were exposed either as fifth instars or as newly emerged adults. The ovicidal, larvicidal and reproductive effects against ACP suggest that pyriproxyfen is suitable for integration into an IPM program for ACP. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

Insecticide resistance status of Bemisia tabaci Q‐biotype in south‐eastern Spain

BACKGROUND: Bemisia tabaci Gennadius Q‐biotype has readily developed resistance to numerous insecticide classes. Studies in the Mediterranean area are needed to clarify the resistance status and cross‐resistance patterns in this invasive whitefly biotype. The levels of resistance in nymphs of seven strains of B. tabaci Q‐biotype from south‐eastern Spain to representative insecticides were determined. RESULTS: Six populations had low to moderate levels of resistance to azadirachtin (0.2‐ to 7‐fold), buprofezin (11‐ to 59‐fold), imidacloprid (1‐ to 15‐fold), methomyl (3‐ to 55‐fold), pyridaben (0.9‐ to 9‐fold), pyriproxyfen (0.7‐ to 15‐fold) and spiromesifen (1‐ to 7‐fold), when compared with a contemporary Spanish Q‐biotype reference population (LC₅₀ = 2.7, 8.7, 15.2, 19.9, 0.34, 20.9 and 1.1 mg L^?1 respectively). A single population collected from a greenhouse subject to intensive insecticide use exhibited generally higher resistance levels to the same array of compounds (31‐, 1164‐, 3‐, 52‐, 9‐, 19‐ and 3‐fold respectively). Pyridaben and spiromesifen were extremely effective against nymphs of all strains, with LC₅₀ values significantly below recommended application rates. CONCLUSION: In contrast to previous reports, high rates of efficacy exist for numerous insecticide classes against B. tabaci Q‐biotype populations in these intensive agricultural regions of south‐eastern Spain. This probably reflects the recent and significant reductions in exposure that have resulted from a wider uptake of IPM technologies and strategies. However, the continued presence of resistance genes also suggests that a reversion to levels of high insecticide exposure could result in a rapid selection for resistance. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

Field evaluation of systemic imidacloprid for the management of avocado thrips and avocado lace bug in California avocado groves

BACKGROUND: The efficacy of systemic applications of imidacloprid for the management of avocado thrips and avocado lace bug was determined in field trials. Following insecticide treatment by chemigation, leaves of appropriate age for each insect were sampled over a 6 month period and used for bioassays. Imidacloprid residues were measured by ELISA in leaves used for bioassays to determine concentrations of insecticide that were toxic to both pests. RESULTS: The uptake of imidacloprid into treated trees was extremely slow, peaking in the current year's leaf flush at only 8 ng cm^?2 leaf tissue after 15 weeks. Avocado thrips mortality in bioassays with young flush leaves, the preferred feeding substrate for this insect, was minimal, indicating that imidacloprid concentrations were below threshold levels needed for effective control. Residues present in older leaves, which are preferred by the avocado lace bug, were higher than in young flush leaves, and provided good control of this pest. Probit analysis of bioassay data showed that the avocado lace bug (LC₅₀ = 6.1 ng imidacloprid cm^?2 leaf tissue) was more susceptible to imidacloprid than the avocado thrips (LC₅₀ = 73 ng imidacloprid cm^?2 leaf tissue). CONCLUSIONS: In spite of the slow uptake of imidacloprid into avocado trees, the levels of imidacloprid would be sufficient to control avocado lace bug infestations. In contrast, the slow uptake would be problematic for avocado thrips control because inadequate levels of insecticide accumulate in new flush foliage and would allow avocado thrips populations to build to levels that would subsequently damage developing avocado fruit. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

Inside Back Cover Image,Volume 77, Issue 1

The inside back cover image is based on the Research Article Insecticide rotation scheme restores insecticide susceptibility in thiamethoxam‐resistant field populations of Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae), in Florida by Xue Dong Chen et al., https://doi.org/10.1002/ps.6039 . Photo Credit: Tonya R Weeks (University of Florida).

     

粘虫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

为指导甲氨基阿维菌素苯甲酸盐（下称甲维盐）在粘虫Mythimna separate Walker防治上的合理使用,测定了粘虫抗甲维盐种群对5种常用杀虫剂的交互抗性及其生化抗性机制。结果表明:粘虫抗甲维盐种群对阿维菌素（抗性倍数RR₅₀=21.80）、毒死蜱（RR₅₀=17.68）和灭多威（RR₅₀=10.85）均具有中等水平的交互抗性,与辛硫磷（RR₅₀=6.00）和氟氯氰菊酯（RR₅₀=5.65）之间交互抗性水平较低。酶抑制剂胡椒基丁醚（PBO）、马来酸二乙酯（DEM）、三丁基三硫磷酸酯（DEF）和磷酸三苯酯（TPP）在粘虫敏感种群和抗性种群生物测定中对甲维盐毒力均有显著的增效作用。粘虫抗甲维盐种群细胞色素P450和b₅含量及O-脱甲基酶、谷胱甘肽S-转移酶和羧酸酯酶活性均显著高于敏感种群,分别为敏感种群的3.23、3.65、3.63、1.64和2.66倍。研究表明,体内解毒代谢酶活性提高可能是粘虫对甲维盐产生抗性的重要原因。     

Rate, placement and timing of aldicarb applications to control Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Psyllidae), in oranges

BACKGROUND: The Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Psyllidae), is a cosmopolitan insect pest of citrus and vectors the bacterium Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus, a suspected causal organism of citrus greening or ‘huanglongbing’ disease. Aldicarb 150 g kg^?1 GR (Temik^® 15 G) was evaluated at three rates, two placements and three timings for ACP control in orange trees. RESULTS: Application of aldicarb at 5.6, 2.8 and 1.4 kg AI ha^?1 in March 2006 reduced adults by 58–66%, 45–46% and 25–37% respectively compared with untreated controls in two separate trials. No difference was observed in placement (one versus two sides of the tree) or tree size (8 years old versus 12 years old). Application at 5.6 kg ha^?1 in January 2007 reduced adults by 86% and shoot infestation by 77% in spring, and was generally better than the November and especially February applications. Even more striking results were evident on adults caged on treated plants for 25 days in March. Spiders and ladybeetles were equally abundant in treated and untreated trees. CONCLUSION: Aldicarb application at 5.6 kg ha^?1 to the bed side of mature citrus trees 2–3 months before spring growth can suppress ACP through spring without a direct effect on principal psyllid natural enemies. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry     

Two cytochrome P450 genes are involved in imidacloprid resistance in field populations of the whitefly, Bemisia tabaci, in China

The sweet potato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera:Aleyrodidae), is an invasive and damaging pest of field crops worldwide. The neonicotinoid insecticide imidacloprid has been widely used to control this pest. We assessed the species composition (B vs. Q), imidacloprid resistance, and association between imidacloprid resistance and the expression of five P450 genes for 14–17 B. tabaci populations in 12 provinces in China. Fifteen of 17 populations contained only B. tabaci Q, and two populations contained both B and Q. Seven of 17 populations exhibited moderate to high resistance to imidacloprid, and eight populations exhibited low resistance to imidacloprid, compared with the most susceptible field WHHB population. In a study of 14 of the populations, resistance level was correlated with the expression of the P450 genes CYP6CM1 and CYP4C64 but not with the expression of CYP6CX1, CYP6CX4, or CYP6DZ7. This study indicates that B. tabaci Q has a wider distribution in China than previously reported. Resistance to imidacloprid in field populations of B. tabaci is associated with the increased expression of two cytochrome P450 genes (CYP6CM1 and CYP4C64).     

The push–pull strategy for citrus psyllid control

The Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Psyllidae), is the only natural vector of Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus that causes citrus huanglongbing (HLB), a most destructive disease of citrus. Currently, no remedial therapy exists for the disease, and so effective control of ACP is very important in curbing the transmission of the disease. The push–pull strategy should be thoroughly explored as an approach to ACP management. This mini‐review summarises the current progress towards more effective repellent and attractant chemicals through investigating known repellent and attractive plants. Interactions between ACP and its host plants are also addressed, with emphasis on the possible involvement of the host biochemicals in attracting the insect. Potential ways to increase the effectiveness of the pull–push strategy are briefly discussed. It is expected that the pull–push strategy will be gradually developed following more extensive research. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry     

Current status of insecticide resistance in Q biotype Bemisia tabaci populations from Crete

BACKGROUND: A major problem of crop protection in Crete, Greece, is the control of Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) with chemical insecticides owing to the rapid development of resistance. The aim of this study was to investigate the establishment of resistance and the underlying mechanisms to major insecticide classes with classical bioassays and known biochemical resistance markers. RESULTS: During a 2005–2007 survey, 53 Q biotype populations were collected. Application history records showed extensive use of neonicotinoids, organophosphates, carbamates and pyrethroids. High resistance levels were identified in the majority of populations (>80%) for imidacloprid (RF: 38–1958×) and α‐cypermethrin (RF: 30–600×). Low resistance levels (RF < 12) were observed for pirimiphos‐methyl. A strong correlation between resistance to imidacloprid and the number of applications with neonicotinoids was observed. Significant correlations were observed between COE and P450‐dependent monoxygenase activity with resistance to α‐cypermethrin and imidacloprid respectively. A propoxur‐based AChE diagnostic test indicated that iAChE was widespread in most populations. Resistance levels for α‐cypermethrin were increased when compared with a previous survey (2002–2003). Differentiation of LC₅₀ values between localities was observed for imidacloprid only. CONCLUSION: Bemisia tabaci resistance evolved differently in each of the three insecticides studied. Imidacloprid resistance seems less established and less persistent than α‐cypermethrin resistance. The low resistance levels for pirimiphos‐methyl suggest absence of cross‐resistance with other organophosphates or carbamates used. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry