Pest Management Science (2018) 74, 1297-1301

Kamel Charaabi, Sonia Boukhris-Bouhachem, Mohamed Makni and Ian Denholm (2018)
Occurrence of target-site resistance to neonicotinoids in the aphid Myzus persicae in Tunisia, and its status on different host plants
Pest Management Science 74 (6), 1297-1301
Abstract:
Background
The R81T mutation conferring target-site resistance to neonicotinoid insecticides in Myzus persicae was first detected in France and has since spread across much of southern Europe. In response to recent claims of control failure with neonicotinoids in Tunisia, we have used a molecular assay to investigate the presence and distribution of this target-site mutation in samples collected from six locations and six crops attacked by M. persicae.
Results
The resistance allele containing R81T was present at substantial frequencies (32–55%) in aphids collected between 2014 and 2016 from northern Tunisia but was much rarer further south. It occurred in aphids collected from the aphid's primary host (peach) and four secondary crop hosts (potato, pepper, tomato and melon). Its absence in aphids from tobacco highlights complexities in the systematics of M. persicae that require further investigation.
Conclusion
This first report of R81T from North Africa reflects a continuing expansion of its range around the Mediterranean Basin, although it remains unrecorded elsewhere in the world. Loss of efficacy of neonicotinoids presents a serious threat to the sustainability of aphid control.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Ian Denholm, Sonia Boukhris-Bouhachem

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
pesticide resistance of pest

---

Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Myzus persicae		Tunisia