Colorado potato beetle [ Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say)] resistance to organophosphates and carbamates in Serbia

Abstract

Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say), the Colorado potato beetle (potato beetle), is the most destructive potato pest in Serbia. Up to four pesticide treatments are necessary for its control. Insecticide resistance of the potato beetle in Serbia is well-investigated and documented, especially to organophosphates and carbamates. Toxicity of chlorpyriphos (organophosphates) and carbosulfan (carbamates) was investigated by topical application, using adults of the first generation from nine field populations. Adults of all populations possessed a certain level of resistance to both insecticides, with very low regression slopes (0.50–1.09 for chlorpyriphos and 0.57–0.85 for carbosulfan). Resistance ratios for chlorpyriphos ranged from 1.0 to 109.7 and from 1.0 to 52.8 for carbosulfan. There was no correlation between resistance to chlorpyriphos and carbosulfan. The key modes of resistance to organophosphates and carbamates are metabolism [overproduction of aliesterase (ALiE), a carboxylesterase] and altering the target site of acetylcholine esterase (AChE). Biochemical research of potato beetle resistance to organophosphates and carbamates, based on activity of ALiE and AChE, proved that the key mode of resistance to organophosphates was modification of ALiE and AChE to carbamates. Our results correspond to this research concerning the lack of correlation between resistances to these two insecticides. A certain level of resistance of the potato beetle to organophosphates and carbamates is widespread in Serbia. Different modes of resistance suggest the possibilities of control of this pest, such as choice of insecticide and insecticide rotation, wherever possible.