High Levels of Resistance to Carbamate and Pyrethroid Chemicals Widespread in Australian Myzus persicae (Hemiptera: Aphididae) Populations

The green peach aphid, Myzus persicae (Sulzer), is a serious pest throughout the world, attacking a broad range of crop plants across numerous agricultural industries. This species has a high propensity to develop chemical resistance, and has the unenviable title of having resistance to more insecticides than any other insect species. An extensive survey of field populations was undertaken across Australia, and showed widespread and high levels of resistance to carbamates and synthetic pyrethroids in M. persicae. Moderate levels of resistance to organophosphates were also observed in many populations, while there is new evidence of resistance developing to neonicotinoids. Isofemale (clonal) lines of M. persicae were generated and subsequently tested across a range of insecticides; individual genetic clones were found to contain resistance to multiple chemical classes. Resistance genotyping of these aphids were consistent with published literature of known resistant mechanisms. The high and widespread levels of resistance identified within Australia are concerning. Resistance in M. persicae has spread quickly across Australia, and thus farmers are likely to have fewer chemical control options in the future. There is a need to develop resistance management strategies that rotate insecticides, spray insecticides only when economically necessary, and incorporate nonchemical control options.