Use of the RFLP-PCR diagnostic test for characterizing MACE and kdr insecticide resistance in the peach potato aphid Myzus persicae

The peach-potato aphid Myzus persicae (Sulzer) has developed a number of insecticide resistance mechanisms owing to the high selective pressure produced by world-wide insecticide treatments. Knowledge of the geographical distribution and the temporal evolution of these resistant phenotypes helps to develop suitable pest-management programs. Current understanding of the major mechanisms of resistance at the molecular level makes it possible to diagnose the presence of modified acetylcholinesterase (MACE) or knockdown resistance (kdr). This paper describes a rapid method for the identification of both resistance mechanisms in a single molecular assay by using restriction fragment length polymorphism of PCR products (RFLP-PCR) in individual as well as pooled aphids.