Analyzing haplodiploid inheritance of insecticide resistance in whitefly biotypes.

We developed new methods for analyzing inheritance of insecticide resistance in haplodiploid arthropods and applied them to elucidate resistance of the whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) to an insect growth regulator, pyriproxyfen. Two invasive biotypes of this devastating crop pest, the B biotype in Arizona and the Q biotype in Israel, have evolved resistance to pyriproxyfen. Here, we incorporated data from laboratory bioassays and crossing procedures exploiting haplodiploidy into statistical and analytical models to estimate the number of loci affecting pyriproxyfen resistance in strains of both biotypes. In tests with models of one to ten loci, the best fit between expected and observed mortality occurred with a two-locus model for the B biotype strain (QC-02) and for one- and two-locus models for the Q biotype strain (Pyri-R). The estimated minimum number of loci affecting resistance was 1.6 for the B biotype strain and 1.0 for the Q biotype strain. The methods used here can be applied to insecticide resistance and other traits in haplodiploid arthropods.

DNA markers for identifying biotypes B and Q of Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) and studying population dynamics.

The two most widespread biotypes of Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) in southern Europe and the Middle East are referred to as the B and Q-type, which are morphologically indistinguishable. In this study various DNA markers have been developed, applied and compared for studying genetic diversity and distribution of the two biotypes. For developing sequence characterized amplified regions (SCAR) and cleaved amplified polymorphic sequences (CAPS) techniques, single random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) fragments of B and Q biotypes, respectively, were used. The CAPS were investigated on the basis of nuclear sodium channel and the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I genes (mtCOI) sequences. In general, complete agreement was found between the different markers used. Analysis of field samples collected in Israel for several years, using these markers, indicated that the percentage of the Q biotype tends to increase in field populations as time progresses. This may be attributed to the resistance of the Q biotype to neonicotinoids and pyriproxyfen and the susceptibility of the B biotype to these insecticides.

Toxicological studies of organophosphate and pyrethroid insecticides for controlling the fruit fly Dacus ciliatus (Diptera: Tephritidae).

The fruit fly Dacus ciliatus Loew is a pest of the fruits of many cucurbit species. We studied the effect of organaophosphate and pyrethroid compounds on the adult flies by using surface contact and oral administration. In contrast to other fruit flies, we found that organophosphates were ineffective against D. ciliatus. This was supported by the insignificant decrease of head acetylcholinesterase activity. All tested pyrethroids showed satisfactory killing ability, rapid and massive knockdown effect, and prevention of oviposition. Piperonyl butoxide considerably increased the toxicity of pyrethroids, which can be explained by oxidase detoxification of these compounds in D. ciliatus. It can be concluded that pyrethroids have high potential for controlling D. ciliatus.

Biorational agents--mechanism and importance in IPM and IRM programs for controlling agricultural pests.

Among the new approaches for controlling agricultural pests is the development of novel compounds affecting specific processes in insects such as chitin synthesis inhibitors, juvenile hormone mimics and ecdysone agonists. In addition, efforts have been made to develop compounds acting selectively on groups of insects by inhibiting or enhancing biochemical sites such as respiration (diafenthiuron), the nicotinyl acetylcholine receptors (imidacloprid and acetamiprid), the GABA receptors (avermectins), the salivary glands of sucking pests (pymetrozine) and others. Among the most recent novel insecticides with selective properties are novaluron, thiamethoxam, emamectin and spinosad. Novaluron (Rimon) is a novel chitin synthesis inhibitor that acts by both ingestion and contact. It is a powerful suppressor of lepidopteran larvae such as Spodoptera littoralis and Helicoverpa armigera (by ingestion) and of whiteflies such as Bemisia tabaci and Trialeurodes vaporariorum (by contact). Thiamethoxam (Actarn), a novel neonicotinoid acts specifically on aphids and whiteflies. Emamectin (Proclaim), an avermectin derivative acts on GABA receptor affecting diversity of insects such as mites, lepidopterans and thrips. Spinosad (Tracer) seems to act on both acetylcholine and GABA receptors affecting diversity of insect species and is considered an important agent for controlling the western flower thrips.