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Application of Two-spotted Spider Mite Tetranychus urticae for Plant-pest Interaction Studies
Published on: July 4, 2014
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Molecular diagnostics for detecting pyrethroid and abamectin resistance mutations in Tetranychus urticae
Aris Ilias1, Vassilis A Vassiliou2, John Vontas3
1Hellenic Agricultural Organisation - "DEMETER", NAGREF - Institute of Olive Tree, Subtropical crops and Viticulture, Department of Viticulture, Floriculture, Vegetable crops and Plant Protection, Heraklion, Greece.
Pesticide Biochemistry and Physiology
|January 4, 2017
Summary
New TaqMan assays detect pesticide resistance mutations in the spider mite Tetranychus urticae. These tools help monitor resistance in field populations, aiding evidence-based insecticide resistance management strategies for crop protection.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Entomology
- Molecular Diagnostics
- Pest Management
Background:
- Spider mites (Tetranychus urticae) are major agricultural pests globally.
- Resistance to avermectin and pyrethroids is a growing concern.
- Specific mutations (G314D, G326E, F1538I) confer resistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- Develop molecular diagnostic assays to monitor resistance mutations.
- Assess the frequency of these mutations in field populations.
- Inform insecticide resistance management strategies.
Main Methods:
- Developed three TaqMan molecular diagnostic assays.
- Validated assays against known genotypes.
- Monitored mutation frequencies in eleven T. urticae populations from Greece and Cyprus.
Main Results:
- Frequencies of the F1538I pyrethroid resistance mutation varied significantly (0-97%).
- Frequencies of abamectin resistance mutations (G314D, G326E) also varied (0-100%).
- TaqMan assays offered higher resolution than previous sequencing methods.
Conclusions:
- TaqMan assays effectively monitor pesticide resistance mutations in T. urticae.
- Mutation frequencies differ based on geographic location and pesticide application history.
- These diagnostics support evidence-based resistance management for sustainable agriculture.
