Field-simulator study of insecticide resistance conferred by esterase-, MACE- and kdr-based mechanisms in the peach-potato aphid, Myzus persicae (Sulzer)

Insecticide sprays were applied to Myzus persicae (Sulzer) populations carrying various combinations of three insecticide resistance mechanisms (esterase-based metabolic resistance and two target site mechanisms, known as MACE and kdr), supported on host plants growing in field simulator cages. The study showed that MACE confers extreme resistance to pirimicarb and triazamate (carbamate insecticides) but not to deltamethrin + heptenophos (16 + 1) (Decisquick) or dimethoate (an organophosphorus insecticide). Resistance to dimethoate depends solely on levels of esterase-based resistance, while resistance to Decisquick depends on kdr and esterase. None of the four insecticides is effective against aphids carrying MACE combined with extreme esterase-based resistance. This knowledge, in association with current monitoring of the mechanisms, will play an important role in making decisions on insecticide use against M persicae in the UK. (C) 1999 Society of Chemical Industry.