Insecticide resistance in populations of the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae), from the state of Pernambuco, Brazil

The diamondback moth Plutella xylostella (L.) has a great economic importance in Brassicaceae crops in many parts of the world. Recurrent infestations of this pest in growing areas of Pernambuco state, Brazil, have led farmers to frequently spray their crops with insecticides. However, control failures by several insecticides have been alleged by farmers. The objective of this study was to check whether resistance to insecticides could explain these control failures in P. xylostella. Populations of P. xylostella from Pernambuco were collected between January and April 2009. The resistance ratios of P. xylostella populations were compared among five different active ingredients: abamectin, methomyl, lufenuron, indoxacarb, and diafenthiuron by leaf dipping bioassays using foliar discs of kale leaves. Mortality data were submitted to probit analysis. The P. xylostella populations showed variable response and significant resistance to one or more insecticides. The population from Bezerros County exhibited the highest resistance ratios to indoxacarb (25.3 times), abamectin (61.7 times), and lufenuron (705.2 times), when compared to the reference population. The populations from Bonito and Jupi Counties were 33.0 and 12.0 times more resistant to lufenuron and abamectin, respectively, when compared with the reference population. Resistance to methomyl was the least common, but not less important, in at least four populations. These results indicated that control failures were associated with resistance by some of the evaluated insecticides, reinforcing the need for resistance management in areas of the state of Pernambuco.     

Microsatellites reveal a lack of structure in Australian populations of the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.)

The diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella, is renowned for developing resistance to insecticides and causing significant economic damage to Brassica vegetable crops throughout the world. Yet despite its economic importance, little is known about the population structure and movement patterns of this pest both at local and regional scales. In Australia, the movement patterns and insecticide resistance status of P. xylostella infesting canola, vegetables, forage brassicas and weeds have fundamental implications for the management of this pest. Here we use six polymorphic microsatellite loci to investigate population structure and gene flow in Australian populations of P. xylostella. Samples of P. xylostella from New Zealand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Kenya were also scored at these loci. We found no evidence of population structure within Australia, with most populations having low inbreeding coefficients and in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. In addition, a sample from the North Island of New Zealand was indistinguishable from the Australian samples. However, large genetic differences were found between the Australia/New Zealand samples and samples from Kenya, Malaysia and Indonesia. There was no relationship between genetic distance and geographic distance among Australian and New Zealand samples. Two of the loci were found to have null alleles, the frequency of which was increased in the populations outside the Australia/New Zealand region. We discuss these results with reference to insecticide resistance management strategies for P. xylostella in Australia.     

Seasonal changes of methamidophos susceptibility and biochemical properties in Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Yponomeutidae) and its parasitoid Cotesia plutellae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae)

Methamidophos resistance and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) insensitivity to methamidophos, dichlorvos, and carbofuran were determined in the field populations of Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Yponomeutidae) and its parasitoid Cotesia plutellae Kurdjumov (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) collected from the corresponding hosts between October 1998 and December 2003 in Fuzhou and Minhou, Fijian, China. Resistance levels to methamidophos and AChE insensitivity to the three insecticides in the two species of insects were high during autumn and spring and low during summer. Resistance to methamidophos was 15.3- and 12.6-fold higher in resistant F0 parents of P. xylostella and C. plutellae than in their susceptible F11 progeny, respectively. The bimolecular rate constant (k(i)) values of AChE to methamidophos, dichlorvos, and carbofuran were 4.6-, 6.3-, and 7.7-fold higher in F11 progeny of P. xylostella, and 3.7-, 4.5-, and 3.7-fold higher in F11 progeny of C. plutellae than those in their F0 parents, respectively. Compared with susceptible F11 progeny, the resistance ratios for methamidophos were 4.2-29.8 and 3.8-13.1 in 21 field populations of P. xylostella and C. plutellae, respectively. The k(i) values of AChE to methamidophos, dichlorvos, and carbofuran were 2.0-21.6-, 3.6-9.5-, and 2.6-9.2-fold higher in F11 progeny of P. xylostella, and 1.8-7.6-, 1.9-4.6-, and 2.2-7.6-fold higher in F11 progeny of C. plutellae than those in 21 field populations, respectively. Significant correlative variations of methamidophos resistance as well as significant correlative variations of k(i) values of AChE to insecticides between the two species of insects also were found in space and time. The k(i) values of AChE to insecticides in C. plutellae were far higher than those in P. xylostella. There were no obvious differences in the Km and Vmax of AChE between F0 parents and F11 progeny of P. xylostella and C. plutellae, respectively. But carboxylesterase activity was 1.6-fold higher in F0 parents of C. plutellae than in F11 progeny, and glutathione S-transferase activity was 1.5-fold higher in F0 parents of P. xylostella than in F11 progeny. The results suggested that the AChE insensitivity to insecticides might play the most important role in methamidophos resistance in the two species of insects. From these results, a spatial and temporal correlative evolution of methamidophos resistance and insensitive AChE was found to exist between P. xylostella and C. plutellae.     

Population dynamics of Plutella xylostella (Lep., Yponomeutidae) and its parasitoids in the region of Brasilia

Abstract: The diamond back moth Plutella xylostella (L.) is the most serious pest of Brassicaceae in the world. It is resistant to many insecticides which has led to a search for alternative techniques of control, principally biocontrol-based pest management. The impact of P. xylostella and its parasitoids was analysed in a 6-month study of cabbage crops in the Brasilia region of Brazil, from June to November 1998. The population of the pest and its guild of parasitoids were quantified on two experimental plots at the Embrapa-Hortaliças research station by weekly samplings. In the first cropping (June to early September), populations of P. xylostella followed a logistic growth curve leading to the destruction of the crops. In the second cropping, rains prevented the development of P. xylostella . Seven species of parasitoids were observed, Diadegma leontiniae (Brethes) and Apanteles piceotrichosus (Blanchard) being dominant. Cotesia plutellae (Kurdjumov) and Actia sp., previously more abundant, became very minor parasitoids. Significant differences were observed in specific parasitism rates between the plots. The combined parasitism rates were identical on both plots (around 23%) and were insufficient to regulate the populations of P. xylostella . Six species of hyperparasites were reared from Diadegma leontiniae and Apanteles piceotrichosus , showing a high diversity of natural enemies in this region of recent colonization by P. xylostella .     

High levels of resistance to chlorantraniliprole evolved in field populations of Plutella xylostella

Chlorantraniliprole is the first commercial insecticide from a new class of chemistry, the anthranilic diamides. Chlorantraniliprole provides an effective alternative insecticide for control of Plutella xylostella (L.) populations resistant to other insecticides. Baseline susceptibility to chlorantraniliprole for P. xylostella was surveyed previously from 16 geographical populations sampled from China during 2008-2009, and the median lethal concentrations (LC50s) varied among populations from 1.8- to 8.9-fold higher than the LC50 of a susceptible strain (Roth). In the present work, 20 field populations of P. xylostella sampled in 2010-2011 from China were tested with laboratory bioassays to determine if resistance to chlorantraniliprole had evolved in the field. The LC50s of the 14 populations from northern China ranged from 1.7- to 5.4-fold compared with the LC50 of Roth, which indicates these populations remain reasonably susceptible to chlorantraniliprole. However, the LC50s of the six populations from southern China (Guangdong Province) were 2.6-, 12-, 18-, 81-, 140-, and 2,000-fold higher than the LC50 of Roth. The results showed that high levels of resistance to chlorantraniliprole had evolved in field populations from Guangdong Province of southern China. Intensive use and misuse of chlorantraniliprole may be responsible for the rapid evolution of high-level resistance in P. xylostella in this region. The implementation of resistance monitoring plans and resistance management strategies is urgently needed in China to preserve susceptibility to chlorantraniliprole in P. xylostella.     

不同药剂对小菜蛾的控制作用及其安全性评价

采用田间喷雾方法测定了丁醚脲、氟虫腈、虫螨腈、苏云金杆菌4种杀虫剂对小菜蛾的控制效果及对甘蓝的安全性,结果表明,丁醚脲、氟虫腈、虫螨腈、苏云金杆菌对小菜蛾均有较好的控制效果,药后7d均能有效控制小菜蛾的为害,且对甘蓝安全无药害。     

Effect of rotational use of insecticides on pyrethroids resistance in Helicoverpa armigera (Lep.: Noctuidae)

Abstract:  To investigate fluctuation in susceptibility to insecticides in the field, natural populations of Helicoverpa armigera were collected from the same field in the region of Multan, Pakistan in 2002 and 2003. The populations were examined against pyrethroids (viz. cypermethrin, esfenvalerate and fenpropathrin) and new insecticides (viz. spinosad, abamectin and indoxacarb). In 2002, the resistance ratio (RR) of cypermethrin and esfenvalerate was significantly higher than fenpropahrin compared with susceptible population. The susceptibility to cypermethrin, esfenvalerate and fenpropathrin increased significantly in 2003; however, the RR for cypermethrin was about half the RR (38) of esfenvalerate (101) and fenpropathrin (89). The toxicity of spinosad, abamectin and indoxacarb was identical in both years. In the field experiments, abamectin was more effective than other compounds tested whereas fenpropathrin, cypermethrin and esfenvalerate had similar toxicity. These results might have important implications in resistance management and suggest that the rotational use of spinosad, abamectin and indoxacarb could help to avoid the development of multiple resistant in H. armigera .     

A critical assessment of the effects of Bt transgenic plants on parasitoids

The ecological safety of transgenic insecticidal plants expressing crystal proteins (Cry toxins) from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) continues to be debated. Much of the debate has focused on nontarget organisms, especially predators and parasitoids that help control populations of pest insects in many crops. Although many studies have been conducted on predators, few reports have examined parasitoids but some of them have reported negative impacts. None of the previous reports were able to clearly characterize the cause of the negative impact. In order to provide a critical assessment, we used a novel paradigm consisting of a strain of the insect pest, Plutella xylostella (herbivore), resistant to Cry1C and allowed it to feed on Bt plants and then become parasitized by Diadegma insulare, an important endoparasitoid of P. xylostella. Our results indicated that the parasitoid was exposed to a biologically active form of the Cy1C protein while in the host but was not harmed by such exposure. Parallel studies conducted with several commonly used insecticides indicated they significantly reduced parasitism rates on strains of P. xylostella resistant to these insecticides. These results provide the first clear evidence of the lack of hazard to a parasitoid by a Bt plant, compared to traditional insecticides, and describe a test to rigorously evaluate the risks Bt plants pose to predators and parasitoids.     

小菜蛾及菜蛾绒茧蜂乙酰胆碱酯酶敏感性的相关变化

用生物测定和生化检测的方法,对福州地区小菜蛾Plutella xylostella和菜蛾绒茧蜂Apanteles plutellae的抗药性及两种昆虫乙酰胆碱酯酶对杀虫剂的敏感性进行了田间监测。结果显示,从1998年9月至1999年4月,小菜蛾乙酰胆碱酯酶对6种有机磷和氨基甲酸酯杀虫剂敏感性逐渐恢复,寄生于同一虫源的菜蛾绒茧蜂乙酰胆碱酯酶敏感性的变化也呈明显的相关性,但菜蛾绒茧蜂乙酰胆碱酯酶的敏感性高于其寄主小菜蛾。脱离选择压力后,两种昆虫对杀虫剂的敏感性迅速恢复,乙酰胆碱酯酶的K_i值显著增高。对乙酰胆碱酯酶的K_m、V_max和K_i值测定结果表明,两种昆虫对有机磷和氨基甲酸酯杀虫剂的抗性与乙酰胆碱酯酶对杀虫剂的不敏感性有关。此外还研究了不同发育期小菜蛾乙酰胆碱酯酶活性及其K_i值的变化。探讨了在杀虫剂选择压力下,两种昆虫乙酰胆碱酯酶敏感性的环境适应性变化机制。     

南京地区小菜蛾的抗药性检测及初步分析

利用浸叶法对南京郊区小菜蛾Plutella xylostella的抗药性进行了监测,发现其对拟除虫菊酯类药剂的抗性较高,而对氟虫腈、辛硫磷、毒死蜱、多杀菌素和虫酰肼依然处于敏感阶段。利用抗性小菜蛾测试发现,氧化胡椒基丁醚（增效醚,简称PBO）对拟除虫菊酯具有显著的增效作用。室内敏感性恢复实验表明,在不接触药剂的条件下,小菜蛾对拟除虫菊酯的抗性迅速下降,繁殖10代以后,抗性维持在低抗水平。因此, 小菜蛾的抗药性治理,应充分利用不同药剂的轮换使用,避免单一使用某一品种,以延缓抗性的发展,同时可以利用PBO增强拟除虫菊酯的防治效果,保证这类药剂在小菜蛾防治中的作用。     

斜纹夜蛾抗药性监测及茚虫威对其解毒代谢酶的影响

【目的】斜纹夜蛾Spodoptera litura (Fabricius)是主要的农业害虫之一。本研究旨在明确该害虫在湖南省5个主要蔬菜种植区的抗药性水平,并探讨该害虫对茚虫威的抗性与解毒代谢酶活性之间的关系,为斜纹夜蛾有效防控及抗性治理提供依据。【方法】采用浸叶法测定了2014-2016年湖南5地斜纹夜蛾田间种群对10种杀虫剂的抗性水平;将斜纹夜蛾敏感种群3龄幼虫在死亡率40%~70%的选择压下用茚虫威进行汰选,比较了斜纹夜蛾敏感种群和抗茚虫威种群的羧酸酯酶、谷胱甘肽S-转移酶和多功能氧化酶对硝基苯甲醚O-脱甲基活性。【结果】湖南5地斜纹夜蛾田间种群对有机磷类杀虫剂产生了26.9~220.2倍的抗性,对氨基甲酸酯类杀虫剂产生了68.3~890.8倍的抗性,对拟除虫菊酯类杀虫剂产生了21.0~267.2倍的抗性,对相对较新型杀虫剂（甲维盐、阿维菌素、茚虫威和溴虫腈）产生了5.2~53.4倍的抗性。经茚虫威汰选后第14代[抗性倍数(resistance ratio, RR)=26.43]斜纹夜蛾羧酸酯酶、谷胱甘肽S-转移酶和对硝基苯甲醚O-脱甲基酶活性分别上升2.86, 1.01和1.83倍。【结论】斜纹夜蛾对多种药剂产生了不同水平的抗性,斜纹夜蛾幼虫羧酸酯酶和对硝基苯甲醚O-脱甲基活性增强可能是斜纹夜蛾对茚虫威的抗性上升的重要因素。     

Correlated insecticide cross-resistance in azinphosmethyl resistant codling moth (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)

Resistance to several classes of insecticides was correlated with azinphosmethyl resistance in codling moth, Cydia pomonella (L.), in California. In tests of laboratory and field populations, cross-resistance was positively correlated with azinphosmethyl and two organophosphates (diazinon, phosmet), a carbamate (carbaryl), a chlorinated hydrocarbon (DDT), and two pyrethroids (esfenvalerate and fenpropathrin). Additionally, negatively correlated cross-resistance was identified between azinphosmethyl and two other organophosphates, chlorpyrifos and methyl parathion. Patterns of resistance observed in laboratory colonies were confirmed with field bioassays. In bioassays of field populations, azinphosmethyl resistance was observed to increase from 1991 to 1993, although levels of resistance remained < 13-fold. Because orchards with azinphosmethyl resistance have had difficulties with suppression of codling moth, and cross-resistance was found for all tested classes of insecticides, strategies for managing resistance will need to be developed so as to protect current and future control tactics. The two insecticides with negatively correlated cross-resistance are discussed as potential tools for resistance management.     

Conserving the efficacy of insecticides against Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lep., Plutellidae)

Abstract:  The diamondback moth (DBM), Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lep., Plutellidae), is one of the most destructive insect pests of crucifers worldwide. It was the first crop insect reported to be resistant to DDT and now in many crucifer-producing regions it has shown significant resistance to almost every insecticide applied in field including biopesticides such as crystal toxins from Bacillus thuringiensis and spinosyns from Saccharopolyspora spinosa . In certain parts of the world, economical production of crucifers has become almost impossible because of its resistance to insecticides and resulting control failure. A coordinated resistance management program needs to be implemented with the involvement of pesticide industry, local pesticide regulatory authorities, scientists and farmers. The judicious use of chemicals in conjunction with other control measures (e.g. biological control agents, resistant varieties, proper fertilization rates) is the best way to manage DBM and other pests of cruciferous crops. Introduction of glucosinolate-sulphatase inhibitors as plant-incorporated-products or sprayable material may also lead to a novel pest management strategy.     

Pyrethroid resistance in Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) and implications for its management in Australia

Abstract  The study was conducted to characterise the underlying resistance mechanisms responsible for high levels of pyrethroid resistance in Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) in Australia. Seven commercially available pyrethroids (acrinathrin, alpha-cypermethrin, bifenthrin, deltamethrin, esfenvalerate, permethrin and tau-fluvalinate) were evaluated against seven F. occidentalis strains collected from ornamentals, fruit and vegetables in three states of Australia. A Potter spray tower was used to test for pyrethroid resistance and all field strains were found to be resistant, with resistance ratios ranging from 15-fold deltamethrin to 1300-fold tau-fluvalinate. The two most resistant strains were further tested for detoxification enzymes that could be involved in resistance. Three synergists, piperonyl butoxide (PBO), diethyl maleate (DEM) and profenofos, which, respectively, inhibit the enzymes cytochrome P-450 monooxygenases, glutathione S -transferases and esterases, were used. The synergism data indicate that multiple mechanisms may be involved in pyrethroid resistance in Australian populations of F. occidentalis . Among the three synergists, PBO considerably reduced pyrethroid resistance in the selected strains compared with DEM and profenofos. The practical implication for PBO use to suppress pyrethroid resistance in F. occidentalis is elaborated.     

Pyrethroid resistance and synergism in a field strain of the German cockroach (Dictyoptera: Blattellidae).

A field-collected strain of the German cockroach, Blattella germanica (L.), was highly resistant to 10 pyrethroid insecticides (cyfluthrin, cyhalothrin, cypermethrin, fenvalerate, esfenvalerate, fluvalinate, permethrin, resmethrin, sumithrin, tralomethrin) based on topical applications and comparison with a known susceptible strain. Resistance ratios ranged from 29 to 337. In general, pyrethroid compounds with an alpha-cyano functional group were more toxic than those lacking this moiety, but resistance ratios were similar for both classes of compound. The metabolic inhibitors DEF and PBO were tested for synergism in conjunction with cypermethrin (alpha-cyano) and permethrin (non alpha-cyano). Application of synergists resulted in partial elimination of resistance, suggesting that the basis of resistance involves enhanced metabolism as well as target site insensitivity. These results suggest that pyrethroid insecticides may have a very short functional life in German cockroach control unless they are used judiciously.     

拟除虫菊酯抗性家蝇的交互抗药性研究

拟除虫菊酯的广泛使用使家蝇普遍产生了抗药性,为有效的控制家蝇的危害,需要了解家蝇对轮换或新杀虫剂的交互抗性状况。作者用点滴法测定了两个实验室汰选的拟除虫菊酯抗性家蝇品系对几种杀虫剂的交互抗性,结果表明:二氯苯醚菊酯和溴氰菊酯之间存在较高程度的交互抗药性;拟除虫菊酯抗性较高的家蝇对作用机制不同的新农药(多杀菌素、氟虫腈)表现较低程度的交互抗性。     

小菜蛾对几种常用药剂的敏感性测定

采用叶片浸溃法,在2001年10月和2002年10月分别测定了福州上街蔬菜基地的小菜蛾,对10种杀虫剂的敏感性。结果表明,上街菜区小菜蛾对灭多威、杀虫双、辛硫磷、毒死蜱、杀灭菊酯和功夫菊酯等农药极不敏感,已不能有效控制小菜蛾的危害。而小菜蛾对氟啶脲、阿维菌素、氟虫腈和虫螨腈比较敏感。通过两次毒力测定比较(2002年10月的LC50;2001年10月的LC50),结果表明,大多数杀虫剂敏感性变化较小。但小菜蛾对阿维菌素敏感性明显下降,毒力倍数达6．65倍,对氟虫腈毒力倍数相差1．48倍。此外,2002年10月小菜蛾对功夫菊酯的LC50为2001年10月的2．02倍。用浸叶法和浸溃法测定多杀菌素、氟虫腈与虫螨腈推荐浓度对小菜蛾幼虫的毒杀作用。结果表明3种药剂浸叶法处理效果均较理想。     

Effect of insecticides and Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) genotype on a predator and parasitoid and implications for the evolution of insecticide resistance

In the laboratory and in cages in the greenhouse, we evaluated the toxicity of two insecticides (lambda-cyhalothrin and spinosad) on the parasitoid, Diadegma insulare (Cresson), and the predator, Coleomegilla maculate (DeGeer), both natural enemies of the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.). Lambda-cyhalothrin was very toxic to both natural enemies. Spinosad was less toxic to C. maculata adults and larvae, and slightly toxic to D. insulare. Both natural enemies suppressed P. xylostella populations in cages with 80% spinosad-treated and 20% nontreated plants; such suppression was not seen when lambda-cyhalothrin was used. Using broccoli, Brassica oleracea L. variety italica, a common host for P. xylostella, we also studied direct and indirect effects of both natural enemies in the presence and absence of the two insecticides and to different P. xylostella genotypes: resistant to the insecticide, susceptible, or heterozygous. Neither natural enemy could distinguish host genotype if P. xylostella were feeding on nontreated plants. They could also not distinguish between larvae feeding on spinosad-treated plants and nontreated plants, but D. insulare could distinguish between larvae feeding on lambda-cyhalothrin treated and nontreated plants. Our studies suggest that lambda-cyhalothrin has direct toxicity to these two natural enemies, can affect their host foraging and acceptance of P. xylostella and consequently would not be compatible in conserving these natural enemies in a program for suppression of P. xylostella. In contrast, our studies suggest that treatment with spinosad has much less effect on these natural enemies and would allow them to help suppress populations of P. xylostella. These findings are discussed in relation to the evolution of insecticide resistance and suppression of the pest populations.     

Assessment of insecticide resistance after the outbreak of diamondback moth (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) in California in 1997

During an outbreak of the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.), in California in 1997, nine populations were collected from the major broccoli areas throughout the state. Populations were assayed for their susceptibility to currently used materials (Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki, permethrin, and methomyl) and to newer materials that had not yet been commercially used in California (spinosad, emamectin benzoate, and chlorfenapyr). For the currently used insecticides, elevated levels of resistance were seen only with permethrin and seven of the nine populations had tolerance ratios (TR) of > 100. With the newer chemistries, TR values were all < 15. To compare potential cross-tolerance, TR values of the currently used insecticides were compared with TR values of the newer insecticides. There were significant relationships found between: methomyl and emamectin benzoate, methomyl and spinosad, and permethrin and spinosad. Further biochemical studies are needed to confirm the actual mechanisms that lead to these relationships and field tests are needed to determine what impact, if any, such TR levels would have on control in the field. These data indicate that resistance to at least one of the commonly used insecticides (permethrin) may have played a role in the outbreak during 1997. However, other factors may have been at least equally important. The winter of 1996-1997 was warmer than normal, and during the period from February through August of 1997 the amount of rainfall was < 50% of normal. Hot and dry conditions are known to be conducive to outbreaks of P. xylostella. These data add to an overall knowledge about the geographic variation of resistance in P. xylostella populations within the United States. They also serve as a baseline for monitoring changes in susceptibility to these newer insecticides and can also help explain the occurrence of outbreaks caused by factors other than insecticide resistance.     

Cross-resistance to insecticides in a malathion-resistant strain of Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae)

Resistance to malathion has been reported in field populations of the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae), in areas of Spain where an intensive use of this insecticide was maintained for several years. The main goal of this study was to determine whether resistance to malathion confers cross-resistance to different types of insecticides. Susceptibility bioassays showed that the malathion-resistant W-4Km strain (176-fold more resistant to malathion than the susceptible C strain) has moderate levels of cross-resistance (three- to 16-fold) to other organophosphates (trichlorphon, diazinon, phosmet and methyl-chlorpyrifos), the carbamate carbaryl, the pyrethroid lambda-cyhalothrin, and the benzoylphenylurea derivative lufenuron, whereas cross-resistance to spinosad was below two-fold. The W-4Km strain was selected with lambda-cyhalothrin to establish the lambda-cyhalothrin-resistant W-1Klamda strain (35-fold resistant to lambda-cyhalothrin). The synergistic activity of the esterase inhibitor DEF with lambda-cyhalothrin and the increase in esterase activity in the W-1Klamda strain suggests that esterases may be involved in the development of resistance to this insecticide. Our results showed that resistance to malathion may confer some degree of cross-resistance to insecticides currently approved for the control of Mediterranean fruit fly in citrus crops (lambda-cyhalothrin, lufenuron, and methyl-chlorpyrifos). Especially relevant is the case of lambda-cyhalothrin, because we have shown that resistance to this insecticide can rapidly evolve to levels that may compromise its effectiveness in the field.