Pesticide Science (1997) 51, 251-258

David G. Heckel, Linda J. Gahan, Fred Gould, Joanne C. Daly and Stephen Trowell (1997)
Genetics of Heliothis and Helicoverpa resistance to chemical insecticides and to Bacillus thuringiensis
Pesticide Science 51 (3), 251-258
Abstract: Genetic linkage maps of Heliothis virescens and Helicoverpa armigera are being used to identify and characterize resistance-conferring genes. The insensitive acetylcholinesterase conferring resistance to organophosphorus insecticides and the insensitive sodium channel conferring resistance to pyrethroids have both been mapped in H. virescens. The linkage mapping approach permits a genetic dissection of resistance, even when the mode of action and lethal target are not precisely known, such as for the insecticidal toxins from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). We have identified and mapped a major Bt-resistance locus in a strain of H. virescens exhibiting up to 10000-fold resistance to Cry1Ac toxin and are currently developing a linkage map for H. armigera with a set of 'anchor' loci to facilitate comparison with H. virescens. Both species are currently experiencing their first significant selective pressure in the field by transgenic cotton expressing Cry1Ac, and timely identification of resistance mechanisms and their underlying genetic basis will be essential in successfully managing the Bt resistance that will eventually appear.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Database assignments for author(s): David G. Heckel

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
pesticide resistance of pest
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
resistance/tolerance/defence of host

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Helicoverpa armigera
	Heliothis virescens
Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1A-toxin (entomopathogen)	Helicoverpa armigera
Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1A-toxin (entomopathogen)	Heliothis virescens