Metabolic enzyme(s) confer imidacloprid resistance in a clone of Myzus persicae (Sulzer) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) from Greece

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have reported varying levels of resistance against imidacloprid in several insect species, including populations of the peach-potato aphid, Myzus persicae (Sulzer). These cases of resistance have been attributed to either target-site resistance or enhanced detoxification. In this study, a clone of M. persicae originating from Greece revealed a 60-fold resistance factor to imidacloprid. RESULTS: The Greek clone is compared in terms of metabolic enzyme activity and synergism profiles with other M. persicae clones showing lower imidacloprid resistance. CONCLUSION: A combination of in vitro biochemical assays and in vivo differential synergism studies using PBO and a close analogue EN 16/5-1 suggests that the mechanism conferring increased resistance in this clone is primarily due to enhanced oxidase activity. (C) 2009 Society of Chemical Industry