Genetic basis of resistances to chlorfenapyr and etoxazole in the two-spotted spider mite (Acari: Tetranychidae)

We studied the genetic basis of resistance to two new acaricides, chlorfenapyr and etoxazole, which have different chemical structures and modes of action in the two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch. The resistance ratios calculated from the LC50s of resistant and susceptible strains were 483 for chlorfenapyr and >100,000 for etoxazole. Mortality caused by the two acaricides in F1 progeny from reciprocal crosses between the resistant and susceptible strains indicated that the modes of inheritance of resistance to chlorfenapyr and etoxazole were completely dominant and completely recessive, respectively. Mortality in F2 progeny indicated that for both acaricides, the resistance was under monogenic control. Repeated backcross experiments indicated a linkage relationship among the two acaricide resistances and malate dehydrogenase, although phosphoglucoisomerase was not linked with them. The recombination ratio between the resistances was 14.8%. From this result, we suggest that heavy spraying of the two acaricides will lead to apparent cross-resistance as a consequence of crossing over; the two resistance genes are so close to each other that it would be difficult to segregate them once they came together on the same chromosome.     

Toxicity of three acaricides to Tetranychus urticae (Tetranychidae: Acari) and Orius insidiosus (Anthocoridae: Hemiptera)

Management for twospotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch, populations in peanut, Arachis hypogaea L., relies on acaricides. The outcomes of acaricide applications are most predictable when complete information on their toxicity and specificity is available. Specifically, the degrees to which acaricides impact different stages of T. urticae and natural enemies combined determine the overall efficacy of an acaricide application. The objectives of this study were to determine stage-specific direct and residual efficacies of three acaricides (fenpropathrin, etoxazole, and propargite) against T. urticae, and the direct and residual toxicity of the acaricides to Orius insidiosus (Say) adults. Direct toxicity of acaricides to T. urticae was measured on peanut cuttings. All acaricide treatments caused significant mortality to a mixed stage population of T. urticae, and mortality did not differ among the acaricides 7 d after treatment. When toxicity to eggs was tested, the proportion of eggs that hatched for all acaricide treatments was significantly lower than the control, with etoxazole and propargite causing 100% mortality. Exposure to acaricide residues caused < 30% mortality of T. urticae adults 1 and 2 d after treatment and was not significantly different from the control. Fenpropathrin and propargite caused 100% mortality and etoxazole caused > 50% mortality of O. insidious adults after direct exposure to the acaricides. Residual toxicity of acaricides to O. insidiosus adults varied but remained toxic to O. insidiosus longer than to T. urticae. Fenpropathrin had the longest residual effect on O. insidiosus adults, causing > 95% mortality after 14 d; etoxazole and propargite caused < 30% mortality after 14 d.     

Significance of habitat type for the genetic population structure of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Panonychus citri</Emphasis> (Acari: Tetranychidae)

Restricted migration and habitat fragmentation promote genetic differentiation between populations: Because most of the hosts of Panonychus citri are woody plants, mainly citrus trees that are usually planted at intervals of several metres, this mite likely faces more risks (e.g., starvation) by dispersing between host plants, compared to other spider mite species that infest both herbaceous and woody plants, such as Tetranychus urticae. Such a limited gene flow between patches (host plants) can lead to differentiation of populations even within a small area. Therefore, we hypothesize that P. citri populations are genetically differentiated not only between distant populations but also within small areas, such as within a grove. To test this hypothesis, we investigated the divergence of P. citri populations in Japanese citrus groves according to a hierarchical arrangement of geographical distance, ranging from distant populations (10 groves distributed throughout different areas in two major Japanese islands; this level of analysis is referred to as ‘geographic’) to local populations (different trees in a specific grove; ‘local’). Three molecular markers were used an esterase locus, one microsatellite and a point mutation in the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I. At a local level acaricide susceptibility tests were also performed using two acaricides: fenpyroximate (25 ppm) and etoxazole (3.33 ppm). At a broad geographic level the gene diversity decreased with decreasing area size and distance between populations. By contrast, at the local level, populations maintained a significant level of variation between trees within groves, and the divergence within groves was higher than between groves. Whereas no statistical difference of the mortalities was detected among groves for the two acaricides tested, the difference was statistically significant among trees within groves in fenpyroximate (ANOVA, p < 0.025) and marginal in etoxazole (0.1 < p < 0.05). We concluded that P. citri populations maintain a higher level of variation between trees (or patches of trees) within groves than between groves at the local level, though the gene diversity tended to be smaller with decreasing distance between populations at the geographical level. Results are discussed in relation to the dispersal behaviour of spider mites.     

Phenotypic- and Genotypic-Resistance Detection for Adaptive Resistance Management in Tetranychus urticae Koch

Rapid resistance detection is necessary for the adaptive management of acaricide-resistant populations of Tetranychus urticae. Detection of phenotypic and genotypic resistance was conducted by employing residual contact vial bioassay (RCV) and quantitative sequencing (QS) methods, respectively. RCV was useful for detecting the acaricide resistance levels of T. urticae, particularly for on-site resistance detection; however, it was only applicable for rapid-acting acaricides (12 out of 19 tested acaricides). QS was effective for determining the frequencies of resistance alleles on a population basis, which corresponded to 12 nonsynonymous point mutations associated with target-site resistance to five types of acaricides [organophosphates (monocrotophos, pirimiphos-methyl, dimethoate and chlorpyrifos), pyrethroids (fenpropathrin and bifenthrin), abamectin, bifenazate and etoxazole]. Most field-collected mites exhibited high levels of multiple resistance, as determined by RCV and QS data, suggesting the seriousness of their current acaricide resistance status in rose cultivation areas in Korea. The correlation analyses revealed moderate to high levels of positive relationships between the resistance allele frequencies and the actual resistance levels in only five of the acaricides evaluated, which limits the general application of allele frequency as a direct indicator for estimating actual resistance levels. Nevertheless, the resistance allele frequency data alone allowed for the evaluation of the genetic resistance potential and background of test mite populations. The combined use of RCV and QS provides basic information on resistance levels, which is essential for choosing appropriate acaricides for the management of resistant T. urticae.     

Significance of habitat type for the genetic population structure of Panonychus citri (Acari: Tetranychidae)

Restricted migration and habitat fragmentation promote genetic differentiation between populations: Because most of the hosts of Panonychus citri are woody plants, mainly citrus trees that are usually planted at intervals of several metres, this mite likely faces more risks (e.g., starvation) by dispersing between host plants, compared to other spider mite species that infest both herbaceous and woody plants, such as Tetranychus urticae. Such a limited gene flow between patches (host plants) can lead to differentiation of populations even within a small area. Therefore, we hypothesize that P. citri populations are genetically differentiated not only between distant populations but also within small areas, such as within a grove. To test this hypothesis, we investigated the divergence of P. citri populations in Japanese citrus groves according to a hierarchical arrangement of geographical distance, ranging from distant populations (10 groves distributed throughout different areas in two major Japanese islands; this level of analysis is referred to as ‘geographic’) to local populations (different trees in a specific grove; ‘local’). Three molecular markers were used an esterase locus, one microsatellite and a point mutation in the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I. At a local level acaricide susceptibility tests were also performed using two acaricides: fenpyroximate (25 ppm) and etoxazole (3.33 ppm). At a broad geographic level the gene diversity decreased with decreasing area size and distance between populations. By contrast, at the local level, populations maintained a significant level of variation between trees within groves, and the divergence within groves was higher than between groves. Whereas no statistical difference of the mortalities was detected among groves for the two acaricides tested, the difference was statistically significant among trees within groves in fenpyroximate (ANOVA, p < 0.025) and=" marginal=" in=" etoxazole="><>p < 0.05). we=" concluded=" that=">P. citri populations maintain a higher level of variation between trees (or patches of trees) within groves than between groves at the local level, though the gene diversity tended to be smaller with decreasing distance between populations at the geographical level. Results are discussed in relation to the dispersal behaviour of spider mites.     

High resolution genetic mapping uncovers chitin synthase-1 as the target-site of the structurally diverse mite growth inhibitors clofentezine,hexythiazox and etoxazole in Tetranychus urticae

The acaricides clofentezine, hexythiazox and etoxazole are commonly referred to as ‘mite growth inhibitors’, and clofentezine and hexythiazox have been used successfully for the integrated control of plant mite pests for decades. Although they are still important today, their mode of action has remained elusive. Recently, a mutation in chitin synthase 1 (CHS1) was linked to etoxazole resistance. In this study, we identified and investigated a Tetranychus urticae strain (HexR) harboring recessive, monogenic resistance to each of hexythiazox, clofentezine, and etoxazole. To elucidate if there is a common genetic basis for the observed cross-resistance, we adapted a previously developed bulk segregant analysis method to map with high resolution a single, shared resistance locus for all three compounds. This finding indicates that the underlying molecular basis for resistance to all three compounds is identical. This locus is centered on the CHS1 gene, and as supported by additional genetic and biochemical studies, a non-synonymous variant (I1017F) in CHS1 associates with resistance to each of the tested acaricides in HexR. Our findings thus demonstrate a shared molecular mode of action for the chemically diverse mite growth inhibitors clofentezine, hexythiazox and etoxazole as inhibitors of an essential, non-catalytic activity of CHS1. Given the previously documented cross-resistance between clofentezine, hexythiazox and the benzyolphenylurea (BPU) compounds flufenoxuron and cycloxuron, CHS1 should be also considered as a potential target-site of insecticidal BPUs.     

Selectivity of acaricide exposure on Galendromus occidentalis reproductive potential

The effects of fenpyroximate (Fujimite®), acequinocyl (Kanemite®), etoxazole (Zeal®), spiromesifen (Oberon®) and bifenezate (Acramite®) on adult female Galendromus occidentalis (Nesbitt) (Acari: Phytoseiidae) survival, fecundity and fertility were assessed following exposure to leaf surface residue and direct contact. Exposure to leaf surface residues of either bifenezate or acequinocyl did not affect fecundity or egg hatch, while spiromesifen decreased fecundity and etoxazole reduced egg hatch. Treating adult females with bifenezate, acequinocyl or spiromesifen reduced fecundity but did not reduce egg hatch, while etoxazole reduced both fertility and fecundity. Fenpyroximate killed all of the females by either method of exposure. Total effects on female G. occidentalis varied among chemicals. Knowledge of specific effects of these acaricides on spider mite predators may facilitate their use in integrated pest management programs.     

Resistance status of the carmine spider mite,Tetranychus cinnabarinus and the twospotted spider mite,Tetranychus urticae to selected acaricides on strawberries

The carmine spider mite, Tetranychus cinnabarinus (Boisduval) and the twospotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch, are serious pests of strawberries and many other horticultural crops. Control of these pests has been heavily dependent upon chemical acaricides. Objectives of this study were to determine the resistance status of these two pest species to commonly used acaricides on strawberries in a year‐round intensive horticultural production region. LC₉₀ of abamectin for adult carmine spider mites was 4% whereas that for adult twospotted spider mites was 24% of the top label rate. LC_90s of spiromesifen, etoxazole, hexythiazox and bifenazate were 0.5%, 0.5%, 1.4% and 83% of their respective highest label rates for carmine spider mite eggs, 0.7%, 2.7%, 12.1% and 347% of their respective highest label rates for the nymphs. LC_90s of spiromesifen, etoxazole, hexythiazox and bifenazate were 4.6%, 11.1%, 310% and 62% of their respective highest label rates for twospotted spider mite eggs, 3%, 13%, 432,214% and 15% of their respective highest label rates for the nymphs. Our results suggest that T. cinnabarinus have developed resistance to bifenazate and that the T. urticae have developed resistance to hexythiazox. These results strongly emphasize the need to develop resistance management strategies in the region.     

Linkage between one of the polygenic hexythiazox resistance genes and an etoxazole resistance gene in the twospotted spider mite (Acari: Tetranychidae)

Genetic linkage between hexythiazox and etoxazole resistance loci was analyzed by crossing experiments. Two strains, one resistant (R) and the other susceptible (S) to both chemicals were established from field-collected Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) populations that were further selected in the laboratory. To analyze the recombination rate of the loci associated with resistance, we tested the ovicidal effects of a mixed solution of hexythiazox and etoxazole on haploid F2 eggs laid by F1 females from an R female x S male cross. This revealed tight or complete linkage between the hexythiazox and etoxazole resistance loci. We then assessed the number of loci associated with resistance to each acaricide based on mortality in the haploid F3 progeny (eggs) of F2 females from an F1 female (R x S) x S male testcross. The mortality rate indicated that etoxazole resistance was largely controlled by a single major locus, whereas hexythiazox resistance was controlled by more than one locus. Thus, one hexythiazox resistance locus was tightly or completely linked to the etoxazole resistance locus.     

Resistance to acaricides in Italian strains of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Tetranychus urticae</Emphasis>: toxicological and enzymatic assays

Problems with Tetranychus urticae are frequently reported in protected crops in Italy, particularly in roses where many introduced acaricides show a progressive loss of effectiveness. We have conducted bioassays to assess the response of some Italian strains of T. urticae to a number of acaricides. These include compounds that were widespread and frequently used in the past, but also some recently registered compounds. We investigated two T. urticae strains collected from rose growers where control failures were reported (SAN and PSE), together with a strain collected from unsprayed vegetables (BOSA). Adult females of the rose strains (SAN and PSE) were resistant to tebufenpyrad (Resistant Ratio—RR, RR₅₀ = 48.4 and 163.6) and fenpyroximate (RR₅₀ = 74.1 and 25.9) when compared to the susceptible BOSA strain. Lethal concentrations for these products were higher than the registered field rate. The PSE strain proved to be highly resistant to abamectin (RR₅₀ = 1,294.1). Variation in bifenazate susceptibility was detected amongst strains, but LC₉₀ values of SAN and PSE were still in the range of the registered field rate. In egg bioassays, the SAN and PSE strains exhibited high resistance levels to clofentezine (RR₅₀ = 66,473 and 170,714), hexythiazox (RR₅₀ = 70,244 and 159,493) and flufenoxuron (RR₅₀ = 61.9 and 117.9). But the recently introduced ovi/larvicides etoxazole and spirodiclofen exhibited high activity on all strains. The activity of detoxifying enzymes such as esterases, glutathione-S-transferases (GSTs) and cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (MFOs) was determined in these strains as a preliminary attempt to identify potential resistance mechanisms. Enzymatic assays showed that the rose strains exhibited 2.66 and 1.95-fold increased MFOs activity compared to the susceptible strain. Assays for GSTs revealed that only the SAN strain exhibited a significantly higher activity. In contrast, only the PSE strain showed a significant higher hydrolysis of 1-naphthyl acetate.     

Integrated Control of Acaricide-Resistant Boophilus Microplus Populations on Grazing Cattle in Mexico Using Vaccination with Gavac™ and Amidine Treatments

Throughout most of the twentieth century, tick infestations on cattle have been controlled with chemical acaricides, typically administered by dipping or spraying. This approach can cause environmental and residue problems and has created a high incidence of acaricide resistance within tick populations in the field. Recently we developed a vaccine against Boophilus microplus employing a recombinant Bm86 antigen preparation (Gavac), (Heber Biotec S.A., Havana, Cuba) which has been shown to induce a protective response in vaccinated animals. Here we show for the first time under field conditions a near 100% control of B. microplus populations resistant to pyrethroids and organophosphates, by an integrated system employing vaccination with Gavac and amidine treatments. This method effectively controls tick infestations while reducing the number of chemical acaricide treatments and consequently the rise of B. microplus populations resistant to chemical acaricides.     

Spider mite resistance to miticides in South Carolina strawberry and implications for improved integrated pest management

Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae), twospotted spider mite, is a major secondary pest of strawberry and can cause significant yield loss. Tetranychus urticae is typically controlled using miticides, which has led to rapid resistance development. In South Carolina (USA), extension agents and growers have reported field failures of miticides (inadequate pest suppression), but resistance has not been quantitatively determined. In 2018, we determined the level of miticide resistance of six T. urticae populations found on strawberry across South Carolina. We examined efficacy of all miticides registered for use on US strawberry by conducting an initial diagnostic bioassay at 20% of the maximum labeled field rate. Any population?×?active ingredient combination resulting in?<?55% mortality was identified as ‘potentially resistant’ and concentration–response bioassays were then conducted to calculate LC₅₀ values for an individual population. These values were compared with those of a known-susceptible laboratory population to calculate resistance ratios (RR). Our results indicate that examined South Carolina populations of T. urticae from strawberry were highly resistant to bifenthrin (RR?=?100–60,000) and there was reduced susceptibility to fenbutatin-oxide (RR?=?25–123). The 'Sardinia' population had decreased abamectin susceptibility (RR?=?25). No resistance to hexythiazox, etoxazole, acequinocyl, bifenazate, fenpyroximate, spiromesifen, or cyflumetofen was found. Based on available data, it appears that miticide resistance is not a likely cause of field failures and issues related to application error and coverage should be investigated. Overall, this work supports the need to reduce the use of broad-spectrum pesticides and older products, in favor of newer miticide chemistries due to resistance issues.

     

Acaricidal activity of Metarhizium anisopliae isolated from paddocks in the Mexican tropics against two populations of the cattle tick Rhipicephalus microplus

The acaricidal effects of 55 strains of Metarhizium anisopliae (Metschnikoff) Sorokin, 1883 (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) isolated from paddocks of cattle farms were evaluated in two Rhipicephalus microplus (Canestrini 1887) (Ixodida: Ixodidae) populations, of which one was multi‐resistant and one was susceptible to chemical acaricides. Percentage mortality and reproductive efficiency indices in R. microplus were evaluated by adult immersion tests at a dose of 1 × 10⁸ conidia/mL for each fungal strain. Some strains were selected to calculate lethal concentrations to kill 50% (LC₅₀) and 99% (LC₉₉) of engorged ticks. Strains MaV22, MaV26 and MaV55 induced 100% mortality in R. microplus on day 14. Strains MaV05, MaV09 and MaV22 caused mortality of >90% from day 12 onward in both tick populations. The most effective acaricidal fungal strain, MaV55, inhibited egg laying by 54.86 and 55.86% in acaricide‐resistant and ‐susceptible R. microplus populations, respectively. None of the fungal strains had statistically significant effects on larval hatching. In conclusion, nine strains of M. anisopliae demonstrated high acaricidal effects against R. microplus and reduced its egg laying. No differences in acaricidal effects were observed between the two populations of ticks tested.     

First report of amitraz and cypermethrin resistance in Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato infesting dogs in Mexico

Engorged female Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (Ixodida: Ixodidae) were collected from dogs in the state of Yucatán, Mexico. Fourteen tick populations were collected from dogs at seven veterinary clinics, four residential homes and three cattle farms. The larval immersion test was used in the progeny of collected adult females to test susceptibility to amitraz and cypermethrin. Dose–mortality regressions, 50% lethal concentrations (LC₅₀), confidence intervals and slope were estimated by probit analysis. For amitraz, 12 tick populations (85.7%) were classified as resistant and low inter‐population variation in the phenotypic level of resistance was evident [resistance ratios (RRs) at LC₅₀: 1.0–13.0]. For cypermethrin, 12 tick populations (85.7%) were classified as resistant and substantial inter‐population variation in the phenotypic level of resistance was evident (RRs at LC₅₀: 1.0–104.0). Thus, amitraz resistance in R. sanguineus s.l. is common, but generally occurs at low levels; however, alarmingly high levels of cypermethrin resistance are present in R. sanguineus s.l. populations in dogs in Yucatán, Mexico. The intensive use of both acaricides to control ectoparasites on dogs is likely to lead to more serious resistance problems that may cause high levels of control failure in the future.     

Impact of transgenic Bacillus thuringiensis cotton on a non-target pest Tetranychus spp. in northern China

Field studies were carried out to evaluate the effect of two transgenic cotton varieties (SGK321 carrying Cry1A+CpTI and DP99B carrying Cry1Ac) and the conventional variety (shiyuan321‐parental line of SGK321) on spider mites, Tetranychus spp. from 2002 to 2004. In 2002, this experiment included three treatments: Bt cotton field (SGK321) treated with acaricides against spider mites, untreated non‐Bt cotton field (Shiyuan321), and untreated Bt cotton field (SGK321). In 2003–2004, there are four types of treatments after a new transgenic Bt cotton variety, DP99B (non‐chemical control), was added into the experiments. The results showed that there were no significant difference in densities of spider mites among Bt without acaricides and non‐Bt without acaricides cotton fields, nor was there a significant difference in damage of spider mites to cotton among these treatments (P > 0.1). However, there are significant differences (P < 0.05) in densities of spider mites and damage caused by spider mites between cotton fields with and without acaricides. Acaricide significantly reduced the densities of spider mites in Bt cotton (P < 0.05). These results suggest that Bt cotton has no effect on spider mites populations. However, spider mites have the potential for severe damage in Bt cotton fields. Acaricides are essential tools in controlling cotton spider mites in northern China.     

Assessment of the repellent effect of Lippia alba essential oil and major monoterpenes on the cattle tick Rhipicephalus microplus

The control of Rhipicephalus microplus (Ixodida: Ixodidae) is achieved using synthetic acaricides. However, resistant tick populations are widespread around the world. Plant essential oils can act as repellents, keeping ticks away from hosts and decreasing the selection pressure on synthetic acaricides. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro repellent effect of Lippia alba essential oil on R. microplus larvae. Leaves from two L. alba genotypes maintained under the same agronomic and environmental conditions were collected. Essential oil was extracted by hydrodistillation and analysed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC‐MS). The major monoterpenes detected in the chemical analysis were commercially acquired and tested. For the repellency test, a glass rod was vertically fixed to measure active climbing of approximately 30 R. microplus larvae aged 14–21 days in response to essential oils and monoterpenes. Repellency was evaluated at 1 h, 3 h and 5 h after treatment. Variation in repellent action was detected between the genotypes. The major monoterpenes identified in the essential oils (limonene and carvone) showed low repellent effects in comparison with intact essential oils. Thus, the present results showed that L. alba essential oil contains bioactive compounds with great repellent activity against ticks that varies according to the plant genotype.     

Resistance to clofentezine and hexythiazox inPanonychus ulmi from apples in Australia

The ovicides clofentezine and hexythiazox have been used in Australia againstPanonychus ulmi (Koch) since 1984 and 1987, respectively. Failure of clofentezine in the field againstP. ulmi was first reported in early 1988. In 1988–89, laboratory bioassays were carried out against susceptible reference strains, and discriminating doses for clofentezine and hexythiazox established. Suspected resistant strains were tested, as were randomly collected strains.Panonychus ulmi from 23 apple orchards in eastern Australia were found to be resistant to clofentezine, and 19 of these strains were also resistant to hexythiazox. In all cases, a total of four or more ovicide sprays had been used. Of 15 samples ofP. ulmi from blocks where less than four ovicides had been used, none were resistant to either clofentezine or hexythiazox. A survey of orchards in the Orange district of New South Wales found that 30% had received four or more ovicide sprays and were likely to experience resistance problems. The control problems with clofentezine and hexythiazox means the few remaining acaricides will be subject to extreme selection pressure.     

Acaricides impair prey location in a predatory phytoseiid mite

The use of predatory mites as the sole management tactic in biological control programmes frequently does not fully and reliably prevents damage of phytophagous mites on plants. Therefore, as an alternative, the integration of predatory mites with acaricides can provide more effective control of phytophagous mites than that of the predators only. However, for such integration, acaricides minimal negative impacts on predatory mites are required. In this study, we evaluated the sublethal effects of three acaricides on the foraging behaviour of Neoseiulus baraki (Athias‐Henriot) (Acari: Phytoseiidae) in a coconut production system. The acaricides were assessed for interference with the location of prey habitat using a Y‐tube olfactometer and for interference with the location of the prey colony within the habitat using a video‐tracking system. In addition to the choice of odour source, the time required and the distance walked to make the choice were assessed. The acaricides tested were abamectin, azadirachtin and fenpyroximate. The predatory mite preferred coconuts infested with the coconut mite Aceria guerreronis Keifer (Acari: Eriophyidae) over uninfested coconuts when not exposed to acaricides. However, when exposed to acaricides, the predator did not distinguish between infested and uninfested fruits. When exposed to abamectin, N. baraki spent more time resting and walked greater distances before making the choice of an odour source. Thus, the acaricides impair the ability of the predatory mite N. baraki to locate a prey habitat and to locate a prey within that habitat. The acaricides differentially affected prey foraging by interfering with odour perception.     

Diagnosis of amitraz resistance in Brazilian populations of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (Acari: Ixodidae) with larval immersion test

Among the ectoparasites of cattle, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (Canestrini) (Acari: Ixodidae) remains a major cause of economic losses to livestock. The chemical control with acaricides is still the most efficient method available to control ticks. The aims of this study were to diagnose resistance to amitraz in 16 tick populations from the States of São Paulo (14) and Paraná (2), using the larval immersion technique (LIT), and evaluate the effect of synergists [piperonyl butoxide (PBO), diethyl maleate (DEM), triphenyl phosphate (TPP)] on amitraz resistant and susceptible strains of cattle tick. Most of the evaluated populations (68.7 %) showed to be resistant to amitraz, with resistance ratios ranging from 2.14 to 132. The results suggest that the test procedure by LIT is sensitive and adequate for detection and monitoring of amitraz resistance in cattle tick. No synergistic effect was observed for the synergists PBO, DEM and TPP, on the amitraz resistant (Poa) strain of cattle tick, indicating that increased detoxification metabolism was not involved in this resistance.     

Monitoring of acaricide resistance of Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae) from Korean apple orchards

Tetranychus urticae populations were collected from ten commercial apple orchards and their susceptibilities to 12 acaricides were tested using a leaf disc bioassay. The resistance of each T. urticae population was reported as the LC₅₀ value, the resistance ratio (RR) and the slope of the probit–concentration regression. Cross resistances of T. urticae populations were estimated using the Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. Most local populations showed low resistance levels (RR ≤ 10). Development of resistance to METI and pyrethroid acaricides differed among local populations. The highest RR value (154.6) was found in the Uiseong population to tebufenpyrad. The Geochang population was highly resistant, especially to METI and pyrethroid acaricides. T. urticae populations collected from Suwon, Chungju, Yeongju and Geochang showed moderate resistance (10 < RR ≤ 40) to more than two acaricides. Resistance ratios to abamectin, chlorfenapyr, fenbutatin-oxide and milbemectin were low (RR ≤ 10) in all populations. The LC₅₀ values of abamectin, chlorfenapyr, fenbutatin-oxide and milbemectin ranged from 0.06 to 0.2 mg/l, from 0.67 to 3.38 mg/l, from 10.12 to 40.85 mg/l and from 0.47 to 3.01 mg/l, respectively. We discuss possible cross-resistance to acaricides using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient.