The evolving story of sulfoxaflor resistance in the green peach aphid, Myzus persicae (Sulzer)

Abstract

BACKGROUNDThe green peach aphid, Myzus persicae (Sulzer), is one of the most economically important crop pests worldwide. Insecticide resistance in this pest was first detected over 60 years ago, with resistance in M. persicae now spanning over 80 active ingredients. Sulfoxaflor, is a relatively new insecticide that is primarily used to control sap‐feeding insects. In 2018, resistance to sulfoxaflor was discovered in field populations of M. persicae in Australia. This study aimed to determine the current distribution and phenotypic levels of sulfoxaflor resistance in Australian clones of M. persicae and to investigate how these patterns relate to clonal type.RESULTSFor the first time, we show there is low‐level resistance (8‐26‐fold) distributed across Australia, with resistance being detected in aphids collected from approximately 20% of all M. persicae collected and screened. Furthermore, although previously thought to exist in only a single haplotype, this study discovered sulfoxaflor resistance in a second M. persicae haplotype, providing evidence that there have been multiple independent evolutionary events which have given rise to sulfoxaflor resistance in this species.CONCLUSIONThese findings have important implications for the chemical control of M. persicae in Australia, especially when considering the broader genetic background of these aphids which are known to harbour a number of other insecticide resistance mechanisms. We recommend continuous monitoring of sulfoxaflor resistance in field populations of M. persicae (in Australia and elsewhere) and further research into the underlying genetic mechanisms conferring resistance to sulfoxaflor in both clonal haplotypes.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Mutation V65I in the β1 Subunit of the Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Confers Neonicotinoid and Sulfoxaflor Resistance in Insects

“…usitatus has developed varying degrees of resistance to insecticides neonicotinoids and pyrethroids . Besides, various pests have also developed high resistance to neonicotinoids and sulfoxaflor, including Bemisia tabaci, Musca domestica, Leptinotarsa decemlineata, Myzus persicae, Frankliniella occidentalis, and Thrips palmi. − Both neonicotinoids and sulfoxaflor have been reported to act on the nAChR of insects …”