Diflubenzuron tolerance associated with monooxygenase activity in field strain larvae of the Australian sheep blowfly (Diptera:Calliphoridae).

ABSTRACT

In vitro monooxygenase activity (aldrin epoxidation) in 19 field-collected strains of the Australian sheep blowfly Lucilia cuprina (Wiedemann) varied over a 46-fold range. Activities were significantly correlated with toxicological responses to diflubenzuron and diazinon. Relationships between activity and toxicological response were stronger at the LC95 than at the LC50. Toxicological responses to diflubenzuron and diazinon were significantly related, particularly at the LC95. The slope of diflubenzuron concentration-response lines decreased as enzyme activity increased, suggesting that the proportion of the larval population that can tolerate high rates of diflubenzuron increases with increasing mean enzyme levels. Tolerance levels to diflubenzuron among the field strains (relative to a reference susceptible strain) were up to 10-fold at LC50 and 56-fold at LC95. This tolerance appears to be provided, at least in part, by enhanced larval monooxygenase levels.