Cross-resistance spectra and sequential reselection for multi-class pesticide resistance in the predatory mite Amblyseius swirskii (Acari: Phytoseiidae)
2026 - Volume: 66 Issue: Suppl pages: 198
https://doi.org/10.24349/2c4v-ezon
ICA 2026 - XVII International Congress of Acarology, 20-24 July 2026, Montpellier
Keywords
Amblyseius swirskii
Artificial selection
Cross-resistance
Integrated Pest Management
Multiple resistance
Abstract
Understanding cross-resistance in the predatory mite Amblyseius swirskii (Athias-Henriot) (Acari: Phytoseiidae) is essential for its successful integration into greenhouse Integrated Pest Management (IPM). This study characterized cross-resistance in a laboratory-selected abamectin- and bifenazate-resistant A. swirskii population against active ingredients with distinct modes of action (MoA): azoxystrobin, deltamethrin, spiromesifen, fluazinam, chlorantraniliprole, milbemectin, and pyridaben. Consequently, a sequential reselection program was implemented to develop multi-resistance against a tactical suite of pyridaben, deltamethrin, and azoxystrobin. The study aims to provide critical insights into the development of robust biocontrol agents capable of maintaining efficacy within complex chemical landscapes. Cross-resistance profiles were determined via concentration–mortality bioassays using adult females with the dry residue method applied with a standardized spray tower, with at least three replicates per treatment. Following the initial screening, the resistant population underwent subsequent reselection using LC50–60 concentrations of azoxystrobin, deltamethrin, and pyridaben, representing different classes (fungicide, insecticide, and acaricide, respectively). Survivorship, fecundity, and predation rates of adult females were evaluated relative to untreated controls and a susceptible reference population. Azoxystrobin exhibited the most pronounced shift; the resistant population showed an LC50 of 257 mL/100 L versus 42 mL/100 L for the susceptible strain (6.2-fold resistance ratio [RR]). Bifenazate (8.74-fold RR) and azoxystrobin (6.12-fold RR) displayed comparable resistance levels despite differing chemical classes, likely attributable to their shared target site (mitochondrial cytochrome bc1 complex, Qo site). Under sublethal azoxystrobin exposure (150 mL/100 L), the resistant population demonstrated superior resilience, with fecundity and consumption reduced by 47% and 16%, compared to severe declines of 76% and 35% in the susceptible population. Conversely, cross- resistance was negligible for deltamethrin (1.20-fold), chlorantraniliprole (1.16-fold), spiromesifen (1.09-fold), fluazinam (1.05-fold), and pyridaben (1.0-fold). Notably, despite high abamectin resistance (19.42-fold), no cross- resistance was observed for milbemectin (1.18-fold), indicating highly specific resistance mechanisms within IRAC Group 6 (acting as Chloride Channel Activators). Abamectin-bifenazate selection can coincide with reduced susceptibility to chemically unrelated compounds via target-site cross-resistance but does not confer broad- spectrum resistance. Ongoing selections with a tactical suite of pyridaben, deltamethrin, and azoxystrobin, will validate these strains for pesticide-compatible IPM. This research was funded by the Bursa Uludag University Scientific Research Unit under grant number FGA-2026-2604.
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