Detection of the Acetylcholinesterase Insecticide Resistance Mutation (G328A) in Natural Populations of <I>Ceratitis capitata</I>

Abstract

Wild Mediterranean fruit fly specimens collected from various regions worldwide were screened for the glycine to alanine (Gly->Ala) point mutation (G328A) in the acetylcholinesterase enzyme, presumably causing resistance to organophosphates. We found that the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) responsible for this amino acid change is located at the beginning of exon 6 of the Ccace2 gene. The identification of the exact location of the SNP permitted PCR primer design around this site and direct sequencing of the corresponding genomic region. We detected the resistance allele in natural Mediterranean fruit fly populations from Brazil and Spain, but not from other sites in four continents. The known treatment history of sites suggests that the resistance buildup is linked to organophosphate application in the field. The PCR-based detection provides a screening method useful for monitoring Mediterranean fruit fly insecticide resistance in local populations and improving pest management strategies accordingly.

Phylogeography of Organophosphate Resistant ace Alleles in Spanish Olive Fruit Fly Populations: A Mediterranean Perspective in the Global Change Context

“…In addition, no alleles for OP resistance have been found in South African or Kenyan studies [16,26]. A similar result was reported on Ceratitis capitata, where only one in 27 individuals was heterozygous for the resistant allele of the ace2 gene, despite the current use of OP for pest control [38,39]. Future surveys would therefore be advisable to monitor how frequencies evolve.…”

Evaluation of Rearing Parameters of a Self-Limiting Strain of the Mediterranean Fruit Fly, Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae)

“…Insecticide sprays have traditionally been the principal tool for medfly control globally. Public concern regarding the health and environmental impacts of insecticide use, loss through de-registration of some insecticides, and the development of insecticide resistance [ 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 ] have driven the development of sustainable approaches to control this insect pest. Mass-trapping [ 10 ] and the sterile insect technique (SIT) [ 11 ] have been employed for medfly management.…”

The Avoided Target: The Ceratitis capitata Cellular Encapsulation Response

“…Failure of AChE to act results in a statistical increase in Ach in the synapse, and thus a statistical increase in the stimulation of the post-synaptic cell: i.e., tetany [6]. However, C. capitata populations rapidly evolve resistance and cross-resistance to insecticides [7][8][9][10]. Additionally, long-term exposure to organophosphates and carbamate esters (including malathion and carbamyl) has been linked to significantly increased likelihood of sister-chromatid exchange events in people [11][12][13].…”