Characterizing biological parameters of Myzus persicae biotypes and diagnosing R81T linked neonicotinoids resistance

To enhance agricultural output, synthetic chemical pesticides are widely used for the control of different pests. Indiscriminate and persistent use of these pesticides led to insect pest resistance, negative effects on beneficial insects, wildlife, fish and environmental pollution through overflow, leaching and spray drift. Additionally, pesticides residues in water and food are also having an impact on people's health. This study was carried out to highlight pesticide related issues including resistance and environmental pollution. The results of the current study showed the peach aphid, Myzus persicae (Sulzer) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), has widely developed resistance to the neonicotinoids insecticides being deployed for its control. This investigation linked the resistance and the allele frequency of three aphid populations to two neonicotinoids (imidacloprid and acetamiprid) with demographic parameters along with the population projection. The Hebei strain was taken as reference susceptible population (SP) and the resistance ratio was computed for two other strains viz. Fuzhou City (FZ), Green morph and Nanping City (NP), Red morph. The FZ population was the most resistant (34.03X and 22.80X) to both tested neonicotinoids. Also, higher values for the population parameters i.e., intrinsic rate of growth (r = 0.27 day^-1), limiting rate of growth (λ = 1.30 day^-1) and net reproductive rate (R₀ = 66.11 offspring/female) were observed. Moreover, its population can increase to 2.01 × 10¹⁴ individuals just after 120 days of growing season compared to the other tested population. Resistant insects generally exhibit higher allele frequency which genuinely reduces insecticide efficacy. In our case a higher level of resistance allele frequency of 40 % was observed. Based on higher allele frequency and biotic potential of the resistant strain (FZ) of M. persicae, it may be suggested that neonicotinoids should be regulated or prohibited for management of insect pests. This could be beneficial in mitigating the development of resistance and minimizing its adverse effects on both the environment and non-target organisms.