Identification of resistance to either paraquat or ALS-inhibiting herbicides in two Western Australian Hordeum leporinum biotypes

BACKGROUND: Hordeum populations are becoming increasingly difficult to control in cropping fields. Two herbicide‐resistant H. leporinum populations were identified during a random crop survey after herbicides were applied. The study aimed to determine the herbicide resistance profile of these H. leporinum biotypes to a range of herbicides used for their control. RESULTS: Based on dose–response studies, one H. leporinum population was very highly resistant to sulfosulfuron and sulfometuron (both sulfonylurea herbicides) and also displayed low‐level resistance to imazamox (an imidazolinone herbicide). Reduced sensitivity of the ALS enzyme was identified with in vitro activity assays. Gene sequence analysis revealed a proline‐to‐threonine substitution at amino acid position 197 of ALS, which is likely to be the molecular basis for resistance in this population. Herbicide screening also revealed a different H. leporinum population with resistance to the bipyridyl herbicide paraquat. CONCLUSION: This study established the first cases of (1) sulfonylurea‐to‐imidazolinone cross‐resistance and (2) field‐evolved paraquat resistance in a Hordeum species in Western Australia. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry     

Strong resistance to phosphine in the rusty grain beetle,Cryptolestes ferrugineus (Stephens) (Coleoptera: Laemophloeidae): its characterisation,a rapid assay for diagnosis and its distribution in Australia

BACKGROUND: The recent development of very high resistance to phosphine in rusty grain beetle, Cryptolestes ferrugineus (Stephens), seriously threatens stored‐grain biosecurity. The aim was to characterise this resistance, to develop a rapid bioassay for its diagnosis to support pest management and to document the distribution of resistance in Australia in 2007–2011. RESULTS: Bioassays of purified laboratory reference strains and field‐collected samples revealed three phenotypes: susceptible, weakly resistant and strongly resistant. With resistance factors of > 1000 × , resistance to phosphine expressed by the strong resistance phenotype was higher than reported for any stored‐product insect species. The new time‐to‐knockdown assay rapidly and accurately diagnosed each resistance phenotype within 6 h. Although less frequent in western Australia, weak resistance was detected throughout all grain production regions. Strong resistance occurred predominantly in central storages in eastern Australia. CONCLUSION: Resistance to phosphine in the rusty grain beetle is expressed through two identifiable phenotypes: weak and strong. Strong resistance requires urgent changes to current fumigation dosages. The development of a rapid assay for diagnosis of resistance enables the provision of same‐day advice to expedite resistance management decisions. © 2012 Commonwealth of Australia. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Incidence of pyrethroid‐resistant oilseed rape pests in Germany

BACKGROUND: Failures in pollen beetle control using pyrethroids since 2005 indicated pyrethroid resistance in Germany. Therefore, resistance monitoring using bioassays was established in Germany for oilseed rape pest insects. RESULTS: The spread and intensity of pyrethroid resistance of Meligethes aeneus increased from 2005 onwards, with no sensitive samples left in any region of Germany in 2011. Sensitivity also declined for the newly introduced actives bifenthrin, etofenprox (both class‐I pyrethroids) and tau‐fluvalinate; all three claimed to be less affected by resistance, although there was no clear cross‐resistance to lambda‐cyhalothrin (class‐II pyrethroid). In the German region with the longest tradition and high intensity of oilseed rape production, pyrethroid resistance of Psylliodes chrysocephala and Ceutorhynchus obstrictus, with resistance factors of up to 81 and 140 respectively, was detected. CONCLUSION: The intensive use of only one mode of action for many years is risky, because even pest insects with a low intrinsic resistance risk may develop resistance. Therefore, resistance strategies need to include several control options for pest insects needing regular treatments. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry     

Potential of variegated lady beetle Hippodamia variegata in management of invasive tomato potato psyllid Bactericera cockerelli

BACKGROUND

The tomato potato psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli (Šulc) is a new invasive pest in Western Australia, which may disperse across the whole of Australia within a few years and cause significant economic losses. Chemical control is the most widely used approach to manage B. cockerelli, but insect resistance, chemical residue and effects on non-target species have become an increasing concerned. Therefore, in this study, the biocontrol potential of variegated lady beetle, Hippodamia variegata (Goeze) was investigated. The impact of utilizing B. cockerelli as a food source on the predator's development and reproduction was assessed by formulating age-stage, two sex life tables. The predatory potential of H. variegata on B. cockerelli nymphs was assessed in a closed arena and the effects of releasing H. variegata for the control of B. cockerelli were then evaluated.

RESULTS

H. variegata could successfully develop and oviposit when feeding on B. cockerelli. However, both survival and the rate of development were higher for H. variegata feeding on Myzus persicae (Sulzer) than B. cockerelli or a mixed population of B. cockerelli and M. persicae. A type II functional response was observed for H. variegata. In the greenhouse, the releases of H. variegata larvae reduced the number of B. cockerelli nymphs by up to 66% and adults by up to 59%, which positively influenced the plant chlorophyll content and biomass.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated the potential of the resident generalist predator, H. variegata as a biocontrol agent for the invasive pest, B. cockerelli, which may help improving current management strategies. © 2022 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.     

Resistance of Pakistani field populations of spotted bollworm Earias vittella (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) to pyrethroid,organophosphorus and new chemical insecticides

BACKGROUND: The spotted bollworm Earias vittella (Fab.) is a serious pest of cotton and okra in Pakistan. Owing to persistent use of insecticides, this pest has developed resistance, especially to pyrethroids. The present studies aimed at determining the extent of resistance to pyrethroid, organophosphorus and new chemical insecticides in Pakistani populations of E. vittella. RESULTS: Field populations of E. vittella were monitored at Multan, Pakistan, from 1999 to 2007 for their resistance against six pyrethroid, four organophosphorus and six new chemical insecticides using a leaf‐dip bioassay. Of the pyrethroids, resistance was generally low to zeta‐cypermethrin and moderate to high or very high to cypermethrin, deltamethrin, esfenvalerate, bifenthrin and lambda‐cyhalothrin. Resistance to organophosphates chlorpyrifos, profenofos, triazophos and phoxim was recorded at very low to low levels. Among new chemicals, E. vittella had no or a very low resistance to spinosad, emamectin benzoate and methoxyfenozide, a very low to low resistance to abamectin, a very low to moderate resistance to indoxacarb and a moderate resistance to chlorfenapyr. CONCLUSION: The results indicate a lack of cross‐resistance between pyrethroid and organophosphorus insecticides in E. vittella. Rotation of insecticides showing no, very low or low resistance, but belonging to different insecticide classes with unrelated modes of action, may prevent or mitigate insecticide resistance in E. vittella. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

Non-target-site-based resistance to ALS-inhibiting herbicides in six Bromus rigidus populations from Western Australian cropping fields

BACKGROUND: Bromus rigidus is a common weed species that has increased in cropping fields owing to limited control options. During a random field survey in Western Australia, six B. rigidus populations that had survived in‐crop weed control programmes were collected. The study aimed to determine the resistance profile of these six populations. RESULTS: Based on dose–response studies, all six B. rigidus populations had a low‐level resistance to sulfosulfuron and sulfometuron (both sulfonylurea herbicides) while remaining susceptible to herbicides with other modes of action. ALS in vitro activity assays revealed no differences in enzyme sensitivity between susceptible and resistant populations, while the use of malathion (a cytochrome P450 inhibitor) in combination with sulfosulfuron caused the resistant populations to behave like the susceptible population. CONCLUSION: This study established that these six B. rigidus populations have a low‐level resistance to the ALS‐inhibiting sulfonylurea herbicides, but are able to be controlled by other herbicide modes of action. The low‐level, malathion‐reversible resistance, together with a sensitive ALS, strongly suggest that a non‐target‐site enhanced metabolism is the mechanism of resistance. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry     

棉铃虫对化学杀虫剂的抗性现状及分子机制研究进展

棉铃虫Helicoverpa armigera是一种世界性分布的重大杂食性农业害虫,长期大量使用化学药剂防治棉铃虫导致其对不同种类杀虫剂产生了抗性。抗性分子机制的阐明有利于棉铃虫的科学防控和抗性治理。该文主要综述棉铃虫对化学杀虫剂的抗性发展现状,以及近年来棉铃虫抗药性分子机制的研究进展,包括解毒酶代谢能力增强、靶标敏感性降低和表皮穿透能力下降等方面,并就未来研究工作和棉铃虫抗性治理新技术进行了展望。     

Effects of harvesting and stubble management on abundance of pest rodents (Mus musculus) in a conservation agriculture system

BACKGROUND

The shift to more environmentally sensitive agricultural practices over the last several decades has changed farmland landscapes worldwide. Changes including no-till and retaining high biomass mulch has been coincident with an increase in rodent pests in South Africa, India, South America and Europe, indicating a possible conflict between conservation agriculture (CA) and rodent pest management. Research on effects of various crop management practices associated with CA on pest rodent population dynamics is needed to anticipate and develop CA-relevant management strategies.

RESULTS

During the Australian 2020–2021 mouse plague, farmers used postharvest stubble management practices, including flattening and/or cutting, to reduce stubble cover in paddocks to lessen habitat suitability for pest house mice. We used this opportunity to assess the effects of both harvest and stubble management on the movement and abundance of mice in paddocks using mouse trapping and radio tracking. We found that most tracked mice remained resident in paddocks throughout harvest, and that mouse population abundance was generally unaffected by stubble management.

CONCLUSION

Recent conversions to CA practices have changed how pest house mice use cropped land. Management practices that reduce postharvest habitat complexity do not appear to reduce the attractiveness of paddocks to mice, and further research into new management strategies in addition to toxic bait use is required as part of an integrated pest management approach. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.     

A target-site mutation is present in a glyphosate-resistant Lolium rigidum population

Annual ryegrass (Lolium rigidum) is the only weed species to have evolved resistance to the broad‐spectrum herbicide glyphosate in Australia. A population that had failed to be controlled by glyphosate was collected from a vineyard in the Adelaide Hills region of South Australia. Dose–response experiments on this population (SLR 77) showed that it was glyphosate resistant, with an LD₅₀ that was 1.9–3.4 times higher than that of a susceptible population (VLR 1). The movement of radiolabelled glyphosate within SLR 77 plants showed that this population did not have the differential glyphosate translocation mechanism of resistance common to several other Australian glyphosate‐resistant populations. Subsequent analysis of shikimic acid accumulation within the plant after glyphosate treatment showed that this population accumulated significantly less shikimic acid than a susceptible population, but more than a glyphosate‐resistant population with the translocation mechanism, indicating the possible involvement of another mechanism of resistance. Sequencing of a portion of the SLR 77 5‐enolpyruvylshikimate‐3‐phosphate synthase gene was carried out and a mutation causing an amino acid change at position 106 from proline to threonine was identified. This mutation is likely to be responsible for glyphosate resistance in this population, as mutations in this position have been found to be responsible for glyphosate resistance in goosegrass (Eleusine indica) from Malaysia. This paper represents the first report of target‐site glyphosate resistance in L. rigidum and provides evidence that this species has at least two mechanisms of glyphosate resistance present in Australia.     

Ace and ace-like genes of invasive redlegged earth mite: copy number variation,target-site mutations,and their associations with organophosphate insensitivity

Background

Invasive Australian populations of redlegged earth mite, Halotydeus destructor (Tucker), are evolving increasing organophosphate resistance. In addition to the canonical ace gene, the target gene of organophosphates, the H. destructor genome contains many radiated ace-like genes that vary in copy number and amino acid sequence. In this work, we characterise copy number and target-site mutation variation at the canonical ace and ace-like genes and test for potential associations with organophosphate insensitivity. This was achieved through comparisons of whole-genome pool-seq data from alive and dead mites following organophosphate exposure.

Results

A combination of increased copy number and target-site mutations at the canonical ace was associated with organophosphate insensitivity in H. destructor. Resistant populations were segregating for G119S, A201S, F331Y at the canonical ace. A subset of populations also had copy numbers of canonical ace > 2, which potentially helps overexpress proteins carrying these target-site mutations. Haplotypes possessing different copy numbers and target-site mutations of the canonical ace gene may be under selection across H. destructor populations. We also detected some evidence that increases in copy number of radiated ace-like genes are associated with organophosphate insensitivity, which might suggest potential roles in sequestration or breakdown of organophosphates.

Conclusion

Different combinations of target-site mutations and (or) copy number variation in the canonical ace and ace-like genes may provide non-convergent ways for H. destructor to respond to organophosphate selection. However, these changes may only play a partial role in organophosphate insensitivity, which appears to have a polygenic architecture. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.     

Monitoring of QoI fungicide resistance in Plasmopara viticola populations in Japan

BACKGROUND: The increasing occurrence of QoI fungicide resistance in Plasmopara viticola (Berk. & MA Curtis) Berl. & DeToni populations is becoming a serious problem in the control of grapevine downy mildew. In Japan, the existence of QoI‐fungicide‐resistant P. viticola was reported in 2009. RESULTS: The QoI fungicide resistance in P. viticola samples collected from vineyards in Japan in 2008 and 2009 was monitored. Resistant P. viticola were detected in the regions where QoI fungicides have been introduced in accordance with the pest management programme, whereas in Hokkaido vineyards, where QoI fungicides have not yet been introduced, QoI‐fungicide‐resistant P. viticola were not found. CONCLUSION: Japan comprises thousands of islands and is physically isolated from other countries by the sea. Monitoring the emergence, incidence and distribution of QoI fungicide resistance in P. viticola populations in Japan is necessary to improve pest management strategies for downy mildew disease in Japanese vineyards. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

Baseline susceptibility of spotted wing Drosophila (Drosophila suzukii) to four key insecticide classes

BACKGROUND

The invasive drosophilid pest, Drosophila suzukii Matsumura, is affecting berry production in most fruit‐producing regions of the world. Chemical control is the dominant management approach, creating concern for insecticide resistance in this pest. We compared the insecticide susceptibility of D. suzukii populations collected from conventional, organic or insecticide‐free blueberry sites.

RESULTS

The sensitivity of D. suzukii to malathion and spinetoram declined slightly across the 3 years of monitoring, whereas it was more consistent for methomyl and zeta‐cypermethrin. The sensitivity of D. suzukii to all four insecticides (LC₅₀ and LC₉₀ values) did not differ significantly among the blueberry fields using different management practices.

CONCLUSIONS

The baseline sensitivity of D. suzukii has been characterized, allowing future comparisons if field failures of chemical control are reported. The concentration achieving high control indicates that effective levels of control can still be achieved with field rates of these four insecticides. However, declining susceptibility of some populations of D. suzukii to some key insecticides highlights the need for resistance monitoring. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry     

Development of detection systems for the sporangia of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Peronospora destructor</Emphasis>

A monoclonal antibody that recognises components of the wall of sporangia of Peronospora destructor was raised. Tests using spores of higher fungi and other species of mildew demonstrated the specificity of the monoclonal. The antibody was used to develop lateral flow devices for sporangia of P. destructor. A competitive lateral flow format was developed which could detect onion downy mildew sporangia. Five-microliter gold anti-mouse IgM solution pre-mixed with 10 μl of P. destructor monoclonal antibody (EMA 242) proved the optimal concentration for detection of sporangia of P. destructor when applied to sample pads of lateral flow devices. Limits of approximately 500 sporangia of P. destructor could be detected by the absence of a test line on the lateral flow device within test samples. Using a scanning densitometer improved the sensitivity of detection. Further development and validation of the test is required if it is to be used for risk assessments of onion downy mildew in the field.     

Toxicity of spiromesifen to the developmental stages of Bemisia tabaci biotype B

BACKGROUND: Spiromesifen is a novel insecticidal/acaricidal compound derived from spirocyclic tetronic acids that acts effectively against whiteflies and mites via inhibition of acetyl‐CoA‐carboxylase, a lipid metabolism enzyme. The effects of spiromesifen on the developmental stages of the whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) were studied under laboratory conditions to generate baseline action thresholds for field evaluations of the compound. RESULTS: Adult B. tabaci mortality rate after spiromesifen treatment (5 mg L^?1) was 40%. Treatment with 0.5 mg L^?1 reduced fecundity per female by more than 80%, and fertility was almost nil. LC₅₀ for eggs was 2.6 mg L^?1, and for first instar 0.5 mg L^?1. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that eggs laid by treated adult females had an abnormally perforated chorion, and females were unable to complete oviposition. Light and fluorescent microscopy showed significantly smaller eggs following treatment, and smaller, abnormally formed and improperly localized bacteriomes in eggs and nymphs. The number of ovarioles counted in females treated with 5 mg L^?1 was significantly reduced. Spiromesifen showed no cross‐resistance with other commonly used insecticides from different chemical groups, and resistance monitoring in Israel showed no development of field resistance to this insecticide after 1 year of use. CONCLUSION: The strong effect on juvenile stages of B. tabaci with a unique mode of action and the absence of cross‐resistance with major commonly used insecticides from different chemical groups suggest the use of spiromesifen in pest and resistance management programmes. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry     

Selection for resistance, reversion towards susceptibility and synergism of chlorantraniliprole and spinetoram in obliquebanded leafroller, Choristoneura rosaceana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)

BACKGROUND: Obliquebanded leafroller, Choristoneura rosaceana (Harris), is an economic pest of pome fruits throughout North America. Repeated applications of broad‐spectrum insecticides have resulted in the development of resistance, cross‐resistance and multiple resistance in this pest. Studies were conducted to determine the possibility of resistance evolution, stability of resistance and the effect of metabolic synergists on toxicity of new reduced‐risk insecticides chlorantraniliprole and spinetoram in C. rosaceana. RESULTS: Larvae of C. rosaceana were selected for resistance to chlorantraniliprole and spinetoram in the laboratory. Significant levels of resistance to each insecticide were observed after 12 generations of selection. In the absence of selection pressure, susceptibility of a subset of larvae from both chlorantraniliprole‐ and spinetoram‐selected populations reverted to preselection levels after five and six generations respectively, indicating that resistance to both chlorantraniliprole and spinetoram was unstable in C. rosaceana. In synergist bioassays performed after 12 generations of selection, S,S,S‐tributylphosphoro trithioate (DEF) and piperonyl butoxide (PBO) synergized the toxicity of chlorantraniliprole and spinetoram respectively, suggesting the involvement of esterases in chlorantraniliprole resistance and the involvement of mixed‐function oxidases in spinetoram resistance. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that chlorantraniliprole and spinetoram could be incorporated into C. rosaceana resistance management programs by using rotational strategies. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Pyrethroid resistance in the tomato red spider mite, Tetranychus evansi, is associated with mutation of the para-type sodium channel

BACKGROUND: The tomato red spider mite, Tetranychus evansi (Baker and Pritchard), is a serious pest of solanaceous crops in many African countries. In this study an investigation has been conducted to establish whether mutation of the para‐type sodium channel underlies pyrethroid resistance in T. evansi strains collected in Southern Malawi. RESULTS: Two T. evansi strains from Malawi showed tolerance to the organophosphate chlorpyrifos and resistance (20–40‐fold) to the pyrethroid bifenthrin, but were susceptible to two contemporary acaricides (abamectin and fenpyroximate) in insecticide bioassays. Cloning of a 3.1 kb fragment (domains IIS5 to IVS5) of the T. evansi para gene from pyrethroid‐resistant and pyrethroid‐susceptible strains revealed a single non‐synonymous mutation in the resistant strains that results in an amino acid substitution (M918T) within the domain II region of the channel. Although novel to mites, this mutation confers high levels of resistance to pyrethroids in several insect species where it has always been associated with another mutation (L1014F). This is the first report of the M918T mutation in the absence of L1014F in any arthropod species. Diagnostic tools were developed that allow sensitive detection of this mutation in individual mites. CONCLUSION: This is the first study of pyrethroid resistance in T. evansi and provides contemporary information for resistance management of this pest in Southern Malawi. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Identifying the presence of neonicotinoidresistant peach-potato aphid (Myzus persicae) in the peach-growing regions of southern France and northern Spain

BACKGROUND: The neonicotinoid class of insecticides is a key component of pest management strategies used by stone fruit producers in Europe. Neonicotinoids are currently one of the most important tools for control of the peach‐potato aphid (Myzus persicae). Overreliance on neonicotinoids has led to the development of resistance through a combination of metabolic and target‐site resistance mechanisms in individual aphids. A resistance monitoring project was conducted by Syngenta in 2010 to determine the resistance status of M. persicae populations collected from France and Spain, and to determine the frequency of the target‐site mutation in those populations. RESULTS: Resistance monitoring suggests that resistance to neonicotinoids is relatively widespread in populations of M. persicae collected from peach orchards in the Languedoc‐Roussillon, Provence‐Alpes‐Cote d'Azur and Rhone‐Alpes regions of France, and resistance can be associated with the frequency of the target‐site mutation (R81T). The R81T mutation in its heterozygous form is also present in Spanish populations and is associated with neonicotinoid resistance. CONCLUSION: The widespread nature of neonicotinoid resistance in southern France and the potential for resistance development in northern Spain highlight the need for a coordinated management strategy employing insecticides with different modes of action to reduce the selection pressure with neonicotinoids. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Bt maize and integrated pest management ‐ a European perspective

The European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis), the Mediterranean corn borer (Sesamia nonagrioides) and the western corn rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera) are the main arthropod pests in European maize production. Practised pest control includes chemical control, biological control and cultural control such as ploughing and crop rotation. A pest control option that is available since 1996 is maize varieties that are genetically engineered (GE) to produce insecticidal compounds. GE maize varieties available today express one or several genes from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) that target corn borers or corn rootworms. Incentives to growing Bt maize are simplified farm operations, high pest control efficiency, improved grain quality and ecological benefits. Limitations include the risk of resistance evolution in target pest populations, risk of secondary pest outbreaks and increased administration to comply with licence agreements. Growers willing to plant Bt maize in the European Union (EU) often face the problem that authorisation is denied. Only one Bt maize transformation event (MON810) is currently authorised for commercial cultivation, and some national authorities have banned cultivation. Spain is the only EU member state where Bt maize adoption levels are currently delivering farm income gains near full potential levels. In an integrated pest management (IPM) context, Bt maize can be regarded as a preventive (host plant resistance) or a responsive pest control measure. In any case, Bt maize is a highly specific tool that efficiently controls the main pests and allows combination with other preventive or responsive measures to solve other agricultural problems including those with secondary pests. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Pyrethroid resistance monitoring in European populations of pollen beetle (Meligethes spp.): a coordinated approach through the Insecticide Resistance Action Committee (IRAC)

BACKGROUND: Pollen beetle (Meligethes spp.) is a major pest of European oilseed rape crops. Its resistance to pyrethroid insecticides has been recorded in samples of beetles collected in Europe since at least 1999, and problems with the control of the beetle in the field have been widely reported. In 2007, a Pollen Beetle Working Group was formed through the Insecticide Resistance Action Committee (IRAC) in order to coordinate efforts for surveying pyrethroid resistance development. RESULTS: The results of the first 3 years of the pollen beetle pyrethroid susceptibility survey using a laboratory test are presented in this paper. Resistant beetle samples were collected from 20 of the 21 countries surveyed, with a general trend of increasing frequency and spread of resistant samples in European oilseed‐rape‐growing regions. CONCLUSION: Pyrethroid‐resistant beetles dominate in Western and Central Europe and are becoming established in the North and East, the main oilseed‐rape‐growing areas of Europe. The development and spread of pyrethroid‐resistant pollen beetles highlights the need for effective management strategies for oilseed rape insect pests. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Responses of striped stem borer,Chilo suppressalis (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), from Taiwan to a range of insecticides

BACKGROUND: Information on the insecticide susceptibility of striped stem borer, Chilo suppressalis (Walker), is essential for an effective pest management programme. An early detection of resistance development can prompt the modification of current control methods and increase the lifespan of insecticides through the rotation of chemicals with different modes of action. In this study, the susceptibility of this pest in Taiwan to four classes of insecticides has been examined. RESULTS: Over 1000‐fold resistance to carbofuran was detected in C. suppressalis collected from Chiayi and Changhua prefectures, with estimated LC₅₀ values of > 3 mg cm^?2. In addition, 61‐fold resistance to cartap was found in the Chiayi population. On the other hand, all tested populations of rice stem borer were still relatively susceptible to chlorpyrifos, fipronil and permethrin, with LC₅₀ values ranging from 30 to 553 ng cm^?2. Chilo suppressalis populations collected from the central parts of Taiwan have a higher degree of resistance to the tested insecticides than those from northern areas. CONCLUSION: The occurrence of high resistance to carbofuran in the Chiayi and Changhua areas suggests that this compound should be replaced with chemicals having a different mode of action, such as chlorpyrifos, fipronil and permethrin, to which low cross‐resistance has been detected. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry