Toxicities and Cross-Resistance of Imidacloprid, Acetamiprid, Emamectin Benzoate, Spirotetramat, and Indoxacarb in Field Populations of Culex quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae).

Culex quinquefasciatus is a major vector of several pathogens and is capable of breeding in various aquatic habitats. The extensive and injudicious use of synthetic chemicals against the mosquito species has led to the problem of insecticide resistance. To explore this resistance in detail, toxicity bioassays of imidacloprid, acetamiprid, emamectin benzoate, spirotetramat, and indoxacarb were performed on five Cx. quinquefasciatus field populations from Pakistan in addition to a laboratory susceptible strain. Compared with the susceptible strain, results for the five Cx. quinquefasciatus field populations were as follows: susceptibility to high resistance against imidacloprid (resistance ratio (RR): 0.09-11.18), susceptibility to moderate resistance against acetamiprid (RR: 0.39-8.00), susceptibility to emamectin benzoate (RR: 0.002-0.020), susceptibility to spirotetramat (RR: 0.01-0.07), and low to high resistance against indoxacarb (RR: 3.00-118.00). Correlation analyses revealed a significant positive correlation between imidacloprid, acetamiprid, and spirotetramat median lethal concentration (LC50) values, indicating the possibility of cross-resistance. In contrast, there were no significant correlations between the LC50 values of other tested insecticides, indicating the possible absence of cross-resistance. These results can assist public health authorities, medical entomologists, and pest managers to manage the insecticide resistance of Cx. quinquefasciatus as well as the associated pollution and human health issues.

Genetics and mechanism of resistance to chlorantraniliprole in Musca domestica L. (Diptera: Muscidae).

The house fly, Musca domestica L. is an important mechanical vector of different pathogens of medical and veterinary importance. It is an organism well-known for its ability to develop insecticide resistance. In the current study, we investigated the genetic basis and mechanism of chlorantraniliprole resistance in a field strain of house fly by selecting it artificially in the laboratory with a commercial formulation of chlorantraniliprole (CTPR-SEL). After seven generations of consecutive selection with chlorantraniliprole, CTPR-SEL strain developed a 644-fold resistance compared with the Susceptible strain and a 3-fold resistance compared with the field strain. Reciprocal crossing between the CTPR-SEL and Susceptible homozygous strains revealed an autosomal and incomplete dominant mode of resistance to chlorantraniliprole. A direct test using a monogenic inheritance model based on chi-square analysis revealed that the resistance was governed by more than one gene. Bioassays with synergists indicated that esterases might be involved in the resistance of house fly to chlorantraniliprole. These findings may be helpful to the development of an improved strategy for chlorantraniliprole resistance management in house fly.

Inheritance, stability, cross-resistance, and life history parameters of a clothianidin-selected strain of house fly, Musca domestica Linnaeus.

The house fly, Musca domestica L., is a cosmopolitan insect pest of public and animal health importance that serves as a mechanical vector of pathogens. Aimed at prospective resistance management to reduce environmental pollution, we characterized the inheritance pattern, realized heritability, fitness cost, cross resistance, stability and mechanism of clothianidin resistance in M. domestica that were collected from the poultry farm. By continuous selection with clothianidin for 11 generations, the clothianidin selected M. domestica strain (Clotha-SEL) developed a 3827-fold resistance compared to a susceptible strain. However, resistance to clothianidin was proved to be unstable when selection with clothianidin was removed for five generations (G7 to G12). Inheritance pattern analysis at G8 of Clotha-SEL (RR = 897) revealed that resistance to clothianidin was polygenic, autosomal and incompletely dominant. Realized heritability (h2) for resistance value was 0.38 (at G11) in the tested strain. Synergist bioassays showed that microsomal oxidases and esterases might not contribute significantly in resistance evolution. Fitness costs of clothianidin resistance were present, for example, reduction in growth potential of the Clotha-SEL strain in comparison to the untreated counterpart strain (UNSEL) was observed. No cross resistance to bifenthrin and fipronil and a very low cross-resistance to spinosad were observed. These insecticides could be alternated with clothianidin as an insecticide resistance management tool to sustain its efficacy for a longer time period. These results shall be utilized to devise a proactive resistance management strategy for use of clothianidin against M. domestica that will be helpful to alleviate the allied threats to environmental and human health.

Fitness cost, realized heritability and stability of resistance to spiromesifen in house fly, Musca domestica L. (Diptera: Muscidae).

The house fly, Musca domestica L. (Diptera: Muscidae), is an insect pest of public health and veterinary importance. Spiromesifen is a new chemistry insecticide widely used for the management of sucking insect pests of vegetables and crops. In the present study, assessment of resistance risk and fitness costs associated with spiromesifen resistance in M. domestica was studied. Moreover, stability of resistance to spiromesifen and other tested insecticides (fipronil, spinosad, and bifenthrin) was evaluated in the spiromesifen-selected-strain (SPIRO-SEL-POP). After 7-generations of selection with spiromesifen, SPIRO-SEL-POP developed 108.76-fold resistance compared with the unselected strain (UNSEL-POP). The estimated value of realized heritability was 0.59 for spiromesifen resistance. Due to withdrawal of spiromesifen selection for five generations (F6-F10) on SPIRO-SEL-POP, a decline in LC50 values against spiromesifen, spinosad and bifenthrin was 0.16, 0.14 and 0.13-folds, respectively. In biological trait experiments, larval weight of Cross1 (SPIRO-SEL-POP♀ × UNSEL-POP♂) and SPIRO-SEL-POP was significantly lower than that of Cross2 (SPIRO-SEL-POP♂ × UNSEL-POP♀) and UNSEL-POP. Pupal weight of SPIRO-SEL-POP was higher when compared with Cross1 while it was similar to that of Cross2 and UNSEL-POP. Adult emergence rate of UNSEL-POP was higher than Cross1, but similar to the Cross2 and SPIRO-SEL-POP. The SPIRO-SEL-POP and Cross1 showed the lowest relative fitness when compared with USEL-POP and Cross2. Intrinsic rate of natural increase of SPIRO-SEL-POP was much lower than that of UNSEL-POP and Cross2 followed by Cross1. The SPIRO-SEL-POP exhibited lower biotic potential when compared with UNSEL-POP and Cross2 but similar to Cross1. Fecundity and hatching rates were lower in SPIRO-SEL-POP compared to UNSEL-POP. It could be concluded that spiromesifen resistance in M. domestica comes with a cost and is instable. Therefore, spiromesifen rotation with other insecticides and withdraw of its usage for some period could help to sustain its efficacy by delaying the development of resistance.

House fly resistance to chlorantraniliprole: cross resistance patterns, stability and associated fitness costs.

BACKGROUND: The house fly, Musca domestica L. (Diptera: Muscidae) is an important public health pest that serves as a carrier for pathogens transmitting various diseases of man and animals. It is well known for rapid resistance development to insecticides applied for its chemical control. Chlorantraniliprole, an anthranilic diamide, a ryanodine receptor agonist, is a promising agent for the integrated pest management of various insect pests. To design a retrospective resistance management strategy, life history traits of the chlorantraniliprole laboratory-selected (CTPR-SEL) and unselected counterpart (UNSEL) sub-populations of a field strain and their reciprocal crosses were studied. RESULTS: After eight generations of consecutive selection with chlorantraniliprole, a 750-fold resistance level when compared to a susceptible strain and a 124-fold resistance level when compared to the UNSEL strain had developed in CTPR-SEL. Very low cross resistance to bifenthrin but no cross resistance to spinosad and fipronil was observed in the CTPR-SEL strain. Results of the fitness traits suggest that the CTPR-SEL has a lower relative fitness (0.34), reduced fecundity, a decrease in eggs hatchability, lower biotic potential and net reproductive rate as compared to the UNSEL strain. Interestingly, chlorantraniliprole resistance was unstable in the CTPR-SEL. CONCLUSIONS: Fitness costs associated with chlorantraniliprole resistance suggest that the efficacy of this insecticide could be preserved for a prolonged duration of time by alternating its use with insecticides having dissimilar modes of action and no cross resistance. When cross-resistance is absent, a sequence of two insecticides is expected to be more durable than a mixture unless the population's h2 of resistance to the mixture is less than half of the mean of the population's h2 of resistance to the two individual components of the mixture. Unstable chlorantraniliprole resistance could also help to sustain its efficacy by being withdrawn from usage for some period of time. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Eugenol, a Plant Volatile, Synergizes the Effect of the Thrips Attractant, Ethyl Iso-Nicotinate.

The onion thrips, Thrips tabaci Lindeman (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), is a polyphagous pest that causes serious damage to agricultural crops, vegetables, and ornamental plants worldwide. Farmers rely on the extensive usage of synthetic chemical insecticides to control T. tabaci. There is a dire need to develop alternative control strategies to overcome the problems posed by chemical insecticides. Efficient traps would allow sensitive monitoring and possibly mass trapping. A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the potential of three plant compounds with known release rates (ranging from 6-30 mg/d); eugenol (Eug), 1, 8-cineole (eucalyptol), and linalool in all possible combinations with a thrips attractant, ethyl iso-nicotinate (EI). A combination of EI with Eug increased the effect of EI by attracting 100% more thrips (effect size, 1.95) as compared to the control of EI alone. Catches in remaining treatments were lower and or not significantly different from EI alone. The results from our study could be used to develop improved volatile blends to be used for monitoring traps. Our data suggests that these traps could be effective even at very low populations.

Influence of Frequently Used Chemical Insecticides on Mycoflora Carried by Common Housefly, Musca domestica L.

The housefly, Musca domestica L. (Diptera: Muscidae), is a major medical and veterinary insect pest. It serves as a vector of many pathogenic microorganisms causing spoilage of food and diseases in human and animals. Use of chemical insecticides is adapted as a principal tool to manage housefly. Insecticides have many unforeseen ecological consequences including effects on non-target organisms. In the present study, we have assessed the effects of 10 different synthetic insecticides on the growth of mycoflora associated with the external body of the housefly by using poison food technique. Our results reveled that all synthetic insecticides enhanced the growth. Surprisingly, in most of the cases, mycelial growth of fungi was significantly increased at high concentration as compared with lower concentration. This study provides useful information about the dangerous effects of synthetic insecticides on environment by increasing the spread of various non-target pathogenic, mycotoxigenic, and food spoiling fungi, carried by houseflies.

Selection, Realized Heritability, and Fitness Cost Associated With Dimethoate Resistance in a Field Population of Culex quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae).

Mosquitoes are known to be vectors of numerous diseases leading to human morbidity and mortality at large scale in the world. Insecticide resistance has become a serious concern in controlling the insect vectors of public health importance. Dimethoate is an organophosphate insecticide used to control different insect pests including mosquitoes. Biological parameters of susceptible, unselected, and dimethoate-selected strains of Culex quinquefasciatus Say were studied in the laboratory to recognize resistance development potential and associated fitness cost. The dimethoate-selected strain showed 66.48-fold resistance to dimethoate compared with the susceptible strain after three continuous selections of generations. Realized heritability estimates of dimethoate resistance in Cx. quinquefasciatus yielded a value of 0.19. In dimethoate-selected strain, the biological traits including larval weight, survival from first instar to pupae, fecundity, number of next-generation larvae, relative fitness, net reproductive rate, intrinsic rate of natural increase, and biotic potential were significantly reduced as compared with the unselected strain. However, adult longevity, mean relative growth rate, weight of egg raft, female ratio, pupal duration, and emergence rate of the dimethoate-selected strain did not differ significantly compared with that of the unselected strain. This study provides useful information to devise retrospective management strategy for dimethoate resistance in Cx. quinquefasciatus.

Larval Habitat Substrates Could Affect the Biology and Vectorial Capacity of Culex quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae).

Culex quinquefasciatus Say is an important disease vector throughout much of the world. Experiments were conducted to determine the effects of different larval habitat substrates on the fitness and biting efficiency of Cx. quinquefasciatus adults. Our findings indicate that the development time (egg to adult) of larvae reared in irrigation water was 8.63 d while that of larvae reared in distilled water was 17.10 d (Effect size = 0.95). However, the rate of adult emergence was similar for all the tested treatments. Furthermore, the mean weight of an egg raft varied between larval habitats: distilled water (1.83 mg), rainfall water (1.25 mg), irrigation water (1.52 mg), and sewerage water (2.52 mg) (Effect size = 0.91). But, the fecundity (eggs per female) and hatchability (%) were statistically similar in all the rearing mediums (Effect size = 0.79). Longevity of females in all the tested populations did not differ significantly (Effect size = 0.91). The mean relative growth rates of larvae reared in tap water (0.80) and distilled water (0.86) habitats were lower than growth rates in all other rearing habitats (Effect size = 0.96). The intrinsic rate of natural increase in tap water (0.27) and irrigation water (0.35) was significantly higher than that in distilled water (0.09) and sewerage water (0.16) (Effect size = 0.84). Adults reared in rain water had the highest biting efficiency among all the tested populations. These results provide useful information for the management of Cx. quinquefasciatus.

Methoxyfenozide resistance of the housefly, Musca domestica L. (Diptera: Muscidae): cross-resistance patterns, stability and associated fitness costs.

BACKGROUND: The housefly, Musca domestica L. (Diptera: Muscidae), is an insect pest of public health and veterinary importance with the ability to develop resistance to insecticides. Methoxyfenozide, an ecdysone agonist, is a biorational insecticide used for the management of various insect pests, including houseflies. To design an effective resistance management strategy, life history traits based on laboratory observations were established for methoxyfenozide-resistant (MXY-SEL), unselected counterpart (UNSEL) and reciprocal cross-strains of housefly. RESULTS: The MXY-SEL strain developed a resistance ratio of 160.99 after 30 generations of selection with methoxyfenozide by compared with the UNSEL strain. The MXY-SEL strain showed very low cross-resistance to cyromazine, fipronil and chlorpyrifos and no cross-resistance to spinosad and bifenthrin when compared with the Methoxy-Field population. Resistance to methoxyfenozide, cyromazine, fipronil, spinosad, chlorpyrifos and bifenthrin was unstable in the MXY-SEL strain. The MXY-SEL strain had a reduced relative fitness (0.31), with lower hatchability, a lower number of next-generation larvae, a lower intrinsic rate of natural increase and a lower biotic potential compared with the UNSEL strain. CONCLUSIONS: The disadvantageous life history traits of the MXY-SEL strain suggest that development of resistance to methoxyfenozide has considerable fitness costs for this strain. Moreover, the unstable resistance to the tested chemicals provides useful information for preserving the efficacy of these chemicals. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

Genetics, realized heritability and possible mechanism of chlorfenapyr resistance in Oxycarenus hyalinipennis (Lygaeidae: Hemiptera).

Dusky cotton bug (DCB), Oxycarenus hyalinipennis (Lygaeidae: Hemiptera) is a serious pest of cotton and other malvaceous plants. Chlorfenapyr, a broad spectrum, N-substituted, halogenated pyrrole insecticide is used extensively to control many insect pests in cotton, including DCB. In this study, we investigated a field strain of DCB to assess its potential to develop resistance to chlorfenapyr. After six generations of continuous selection pressure with chlorfenapyr, DCB had a 7.24-fold and 149.06-fold resistance ratio (RR) at G1 and G6, respectively. The genetic basis of inheritance of chlorfenapyr resistance was also studied by crossing the chlorfenapyr selected (Chlorfenapyr-SEL) and laboratory population (Lab-PK). Results revealed an autosomal and incompletely dominant mode of inheritance for chlorfenapyr resistance in the Chlorfenapyr-SEL population of DCB. The results of the monogenic model test showed chlorfenapyr resistance was controlled by multiple genes. Estimated realized heritability for chlorfenapyr resistance in the tested DCB strain was 0.123. Synergism bioassays with piperonyl butoxide and S, S, S-butyl phosphorotrithioate revealed chlorfenapyr resistance might be due to esterase activity. These results would be useful for devising an effective resistance management strategy against DCB.

Toxicity of 25 synthetic insecticides to the field population of Culex quinquefasciatus Say.

The Culex quinquefaciatus Say, commonly known as the southern house mosquito, is well known for biting nuisance and vectoring of some fatal diseases. Synthetic chemicals have been relied upon as the major control measure to control mosquitoes. Therefore, we have evaluated 21 insecticides belonging to different chemical classes for their toxicity to C. quinquefaciatus females. Chlorfenapyr was the most toxic adulticide among all the tested insecticides. Among pyrethroids, deltamethrin was the least toxic adulticide, and all other have same toxicity. In case of organophosphates, the chlorpyrifos was the most toxic insecticide. Neonicotinoids such as acetamiprid, nitenpyram, and clothianidin have similar toxicity based on overlapping of 95 % confidence intervals (CI) and were more toxic when compared with the imidacloprid. The spinetoram was more toxic as compared with the spinosad (based on non-overlapping 95 % Cl). In case of ketoenoles, spirotetrament was more toxic as compared with the spiromesifen. Emamectin benzoate was the most toxic insecticide when compared with fipronil and indoxacarb. We also have tested four insect growth regulators (IGRS) including lufenuron, methoxyfenozide, pyriproxyfen, and cyromazine as larvicides. The lufenuron and pyriproxyfen have similar toxicity based upon their overlapping 95 % CI and were more toxic as compared with the methoxyfenozide and cyromazine. The methoxyfenozide was the moderately toxic among all the tested IGRS, and cyromazine was the least toxic among all the tested IGRS. These results will prove helpful in effectuating an effective integrated vector management program for C. quinquefaciatus.

Dominant fitness costs of resistance to fipronil in Musca domestica Linnaeus (Diptera: Muscidae).

House fly, Musca domestica L., (Diptera: Muscidae) a common pest of poultry, has developed resistance to the commonly used insecticide fipronil. The life history traits were examined in the fipronil-selected (Fipro-SEL), susceptible counterpart (UNSEL), and their hybrid progeny strains in order to design an effective resistant management strategy. Compared to the UNSEL strain, the Fipro-SEL was 181.94-fold resistant to fipronil. This resistance was unstable after five generations without selection. The Fipro-SEL had a significantly longer larval duration, lower pupal weight, lower fecundity, lower hatchability, lower number of next generation larvae, lower intrinsic rate of population increase and lower biotic potential than the UNSEL strain. Most fitness parameters of the hybrid progeny were similar and significantly lower than that in the UNSEL strain, suggesting autosomal and dominant fitness costs. Compared to the UNSEL strain, relative the fitness of the Fipro-SEL, Hybrid1 and Hybrid2 was 0.13, 0.33 and 0.30, respectively. Fipronil resistance resulted in high fitness costs and these fitness costs were dominant and autosomal in the Fipro-SEL strain of M. domestica. Rotation of fipronil with other insecticides having no cross resistance should be useful for delaying the development of resistance in M. domestica.

Effects of different animal manures on attraction and reproductive behaviors of common house fly, Musca domestica L.

Insects rely mainly on their well-developed and highly sophisticated olfactory system to discriminate volatile cues released from host and nonhost substances, mates, oviposition substrates, and food sources. Onset of first mating, mating duration, and onset of first oviposition, oviposition period, fecundity (number of eggs laid by a female), and longevity of freshly emerged Musca domestica L. (Diptera: Muscidae) adults were observed in the presence of different animal manures: cow, horse, donkey, poultry, and an artificial diet. The M. domestica adults exposed to horse manure showed a delay in onset of first mating and first oviposition, prolonged mating duration, and reduced fecundity compared to the artificial diet (control). Likewise, the fecundity was reduced in the presence of donkey manure as compared to artificial diet. The onset of first mating was delayed and duration of first mating was shortened in the presence of cow manure as compared to artificial diet and no oviposition was observed throughout the duration of the experiment. However, the reproductive behaviors and all fitness measures in adults exposed to poultry manure were similar or even better, compared to the artificial diet. Surprisingly, in a free-choice attraction assay, the highest numbers of adult flies were attracted toward the cow manure as compared to all other manures as well as the artificial diet. However, the numbers of flies captured in all other types of manures were not different than the artificial diet (control). Furthermore, chemical analysis of headspace samples of manures revealed qualitative differences in odor (volatile) profiles of all manures and artificial diet, indicating that behavioral differences could be due to the differences in the volatile chemistry of the adult ovipositional substrates and larval growth mediums. This study may contribute toward both understanding the linkage between ecological adaptations and host selection mechanisms and the development of pest management strategies against this serious pest of medical and veterinary importance.

Biological trait analysis and stability of lambda-cyhalothrin resistance in the house fly, Musca domestica L. (Diptera: Muscidae).

House flies, Musca domestica L., (Diptera: Muscidae), are pests of poultry and have the ability to develop resistance to insecticides. To design a strategy for resistance management, life history traits based on laboratory observations were established for lambda-cyhalothrin-resistant, susceptible and reciprocal crosses of M. domestica strains. Bioassay results showed that the lambda-cyhalothrin-selected strain developed a resistance ratio of 98.34 compared to its susceptible strain. The lambda-cyhalothrin-selected strain had a relative fitness of 0.26 and lower fecundity, hatchability, lower number of next generation larvae, and net reproductive rate compared with its susceptible strain. Mean population growth rates, such as intrinsic rate of population increase, and biotic potential were lower for the lambda-cyhalothrin-selected strain compared to its susceptible strain. Resistance to lambda-cyhalothrin, indoxacarb, and abamectin was unstable while resistance to bifenthrin and methomyl was stable in the lambda-cyhalothrin-selected strain of M. domestica. Development of resistance can cost considerable fitness for the lambda-cyhalothrin-selected strain. The present study provided useful information for making potential management strategies to delay resistance development in M. domestica.

Assessment of resistance risk in Musca domestica L. (Diptera: Muscidae) to methoxyfenozide.

Methoxyfenozide, an ecdysone receptor agonist is an effective larvicide against many pests of public health and veterinary importance including house fly, Musca domestica L. (Diptera: Muscidae). Methoxyfenozide is a bio-rational insecticide having many environmentally friendly attributes that make it compatible with integrated pest management programs. This experiment was performed for the assessment of resistance evolution in M. domestica to methoxyfenozide. A field population of M. domestica, after 24 rounds of selection with methoxyfenozide, resulted in 64 fold and 915-fold increase in lethal concentration 50 (LC50) compared to field and susceptible strain, respectively. Realized heritability (h(2)) of resistance to methoxyfenozide was 0.17 in methoxyfenozide-selected strain of M. domestica. The projected rate of resistance development indicated that, if slope=1.71 and h(2)=0.17, then 13-5 generations are required for tenfold increase in LC50 at 50-95% selection intensity. These findings suggest that a risk for resistance development to methoxyfenozide occurred in M. domestica under continuous selection pressure.

Mechanism, stability and fitness cost of resistance to pyriproxyfen in the house fly, Musca domestica L. (Diptera: Muscidae).

Pyriproxyfen, a bio-rational insecticide, used worldwide for the management of many insect pests including the house fly, Musca domestica. To devise a retrospective resistance management strategy, biological parameters of pyriproxyfen resistant (Pyri-SEL), unselected (UNSEL), Cross1 and Cross2M. domestica strains were studied in the laboratory. Additionally, the stability and mechanism of resistance was also investigated. After 30 generations of pyriproxyfen selection, a field-collected strain developed 206-fold resistance compared with susceptible strain. Synergists such as piperonyl butoxide and S,S,S-tributylphosphorotrithioate did not alter the LC50 values, suggesting another cause of target site resistance to pyriproxyfen in the Pyri-SEL strain. The resistance to all tested insecticides was unstable in Pyri-SEL strain. The relative fitness of 0.51 with lower fecundity, hatchability, lower number of next generation larvae, reduced mean population growth rate and net reproductive rate were observed in the Pyri-SEL strain compared with the UNSEL strain. The cost of fitness associated with pyriproxyfen resistance was evident in Pyri-SEL strain. The present study provides useful information for making pro-active resistance management strategies to delay resistance development.

Selection, resistance risk assessment, and reversion toward susceptibility of pyriproxyfen in Musca domestica L.

Pyriproxyfen, a juvenile hormone mimic, is an effective larvicide against many pests of veterinary and public health importance. Pyriproxyfen is a biorational insecticide having many environmentally friendly attributes that make it compatible with integrated pest management programs. This experiment was performed for the assessment of resistance evolution and reversion toward susceptibility of Musca domestica to pyriproxyfen. Repeated selection at successive generations resulted in 5.09- and 130-fold increase in lethal concentration 50 (LC50) compared to field and susceptible strain, respectively. A significant decline after 22 generations without selection suggesting resistance to pyriproxyfen was unstable in M. domestica. Realized heritability (h (2)) of resistance to pyriproxyfen was 0.035 in pyriproxyfen-selected strain of M. domestica. The projected rate of resistance development indicated that, if slope = 1.28 and h (2) = 0.035, then 46-21 generations are required for 10-fold increase in LC50 at 50-90 % selection intensity. These findings suggest that a risk for resistance development to pyriproxyfen occurred in M. domestica under continuous selection pressure. Pyriproxyfen susceptibility reversed when its application is ceased for a specified duration.

Inheritance mode, cross-resistance and realized heritability of pyriproxyfen resistance in a field strain of Musca domestica L. (Diptera: Muscidae).

Pyriproxyfen is a growth regulator used for the control of different insect pests, including Musca domestica. To assess the risk of resistance and to develop a strategy for resistance management, a field strain of M. domestica was exposed to pyriproxyfen in the laboratory for 30 generations. The inheritance mode, realized heritability of pyriproxyfen resistance and cross-resistance to other insecticides were assessed. Prior to the selection process, the field strain exhibited a resistance ratio (RR) of 25.7, 7.31, 7.67, and 27-fold for pyriproxyfen, methoxyfenozide, cyromazine and lufenuron, respectively, when compared to the pyriproxyfen susceptible strain (Pyri-Sus). After continuous selection with pyriproxyfen, the pyriproxyfen-resistant strain (Pyri-Res) became 206-fold more resistant than the Pyri-Sus strain. The overlapping confidence limits of LC50 values of F1 (Pyri-Res ♂×Pyri-Sus ♀) and F1(†) (Pyri-Res ♀×Pyri-Sus ♂) suggested an autosomal and completely dominant mode of resistance to pyriproxyfen. Monogenic test of inheritance showed that resistance to pyriproxyfen was governed by multiple genes. The Pyri-Res strain showed very low cross resistance to methoxyfenozide, cyromazine, and lufenuron. The estimated realized heritability was 0.02, 0.05, 0.03 and 0.04 for pyriproxyfen, methoxyfenozide, cyromazine, and lufenuron, respectively. It was concluded that pyriproxyfen resistance in M. domestica was autosomally inherited, completely dominant and polygenic. These results would be helpful for the design of an improved control strategy against M. domestica.