Mechanisms of resistance to malathion in the medfly Ceratitis capitata

Overexpression of an Integument Esterase Gene LbEST-inte4 Infers the Malathion Detoxification in Liposcelis bostrychophila (Psocoptera: Liposcelididae)

Liposcelis bostrychophila, commonly known as booklouse, is an important stored-product pest worldwide. Studies have demonstrated that booklices have developed resistance to several insecticides. In this study, an integument esterase gene, LbEST-inte4, with upregulated expression, was characterized in L. bostrychophila. Knockdown of LbEST-inte4 resulted in a substantial increase in the booklice susceptibility to malathion. Overexpression of LbEST-inte4 in Drosophila melanogaster significantly enhanced its malathion tolerance. Molecular modeling and docking analysis suggested potential interactions between LbEST-inte4 and malathion. When overexpressed LbEST-inte4 in Sf9 cells, a notable elevation in esterase activity and malathion tolerance was observed. HPLC analysis indicated that the LbEST-inte4 enzyme could effectively degrade malathion. Taken together, the upregulated LbEST-inte4 appears to contribute to malathion tolerance in L. bostrychophila by facilitating the depletion of malathion. This study elucidates the molecular mechanism underlying malathion detoxification and provides the foundations for the development of effective prevention and control measures against psocids.

Macaronesian Plants as Promising Biopesticides against the Crop Pest Ceratitis capitata

Ceratitis capitata is responsible for significant economic losses in the fruit production industry, and the market lacks biopesticides that are effective but also cheaper and less contaminating, with fewer negative impacts on the environment. In this regard, the present study suggests as potential options ethanolic extracts from several Macaronesian plants, which inhibit the oviposition and are toxic to C. capitata, and whose preparation involve a non-toxic solvent (i.e., ethanol), low energy expenditure and cheap apparatus (i.e., maceration at room temperature). Among the evaluated species, the extracts of Hedychium gardnerianum, Cistus symphytifolius and Salvia canariensis are the most active (50 mg/mL), revealing an increase in C. capitata adults' mortality from 21.15% to 27.41% after 72 h, a value statistically identical to azadirachtin (25.93%) at the recommended concentration (0.88 mg/mL). Considering the quantity and biomass available to prepare a biopesticide in the future, and the level of activity, the ethanolic extract of H. gardnerianum was fractionated and each fraction tested. The water fraction at 50 mg/mL proved to be more effective than the original extract, both in terms of mortality (57.69%), with LT50 = 72.5 h, and oviposition deterrence (83.43%), values statistically higher than those obtained by azadirachtin at 0.88 mg/mL. Analysis of this fraction by HPLC-MS/MS showed that it is mainly composed of glycosylated derivatives of quercetin and myricetin in addition to some triterpenes. These findings highlight some Macaronesian species, and in particular, the more polar fraction of H. gardnerianum ethanolic extract, as promising and ecological alternatives to conventional insecticides, for use in the integrated management of the C. capitata pest.

Geographical distribution and origin of acetylcholinesterase mutations conferring acaricide resistance in Tetranychus urticae populations from Turkey

Two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae), is a cosmopolitan pest species that can feed on more than 1000 host plant species. Historically, organophosphate (OP) and carbamate insecticides have been used to control this extremely polyphagous pest. However, its ability to develop acaricide resistance rapidly has led to failure in control. Mutations in acetylcholinesterase gene (ace), the target-site of OP and carbamate insecticides, have been reported to be one of the major mechanisms underlying this developing resistance. In this study, mutations previously associated with resistance (G119S, A201S, T280A, G328A, F331W/Y) in ace have been screened in 37 T. urticae populations collected across Turkey. All mutations were found in various populations, except G119S. Almost all populations had F331W/Y mutation (being fixed in 32 populations), whereas only two populations harboured A201S mutation, but not fixed. On the other hand, more than half of the populations contained T280A and G328A mutations. In addition, the presence of same haplotypes in populations originating from distinct geographic locations and a wide variety of ace haplotypes might indicate multiple origins of F331W and F331Y mutations; however, this needs further investigation. The results of area-wide screening showed that ace mutations are widely distributed among T. urticae populations. Therefore, the use of this group of insecticides should be limited or only rotational use might be regarded as a resistance management tool due to its different mode of action from other main acaricide groups in T. urticae control across Turkey.

The adipokinetic hormone signaling system regulates the sensitivity of Bactrocera dorsalis to malathion

The neuropeptide adipokinetic hormone (AKH) binds to the AKH receptor (AKHR) to regulate carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. It also participates in the insect anti-stress response. We used RT-qPCR to detect the expression levels of 39 neuropeptides in malathion-susceptible (MS) and malathion-resistant (MR) strains of Bactrocera dorsalis. AKH and AKHR were highly expressed in the MR strain. Using a malathion bioassay and RNA interference (RNAi), we demonstrated that AKHR is involved in the susceptibility of B. dorsalis to malathion. We found significantly reduced expression of two detoxification enzyme genes (glutathione-S-transferase, GST and α-esterase, CarE) after AKHR RNAi. Based on our previous data, GSTd10 and CarE6 participate the direct metabolism of malathion in this fly, which is also verified by a malathion metabolism assay by HPLC using the crude enzymes in the current study. These results suggest that AKHR plays an important role in affecting malathion susceptibility via detoxification enzyme genes.

Field detection and predicted evolution of spinosad resistance in Ceratitis capitata

BACKGROUND

The sustainable control of the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann), is compromised by the development of resistance to malathion and lambda-cyhalothrin in Spanish field populations. At present, field populations remain susceptible to spinosad. However, the resistant strain JW-100s has been obtained under laboratory selection with spinosad, and resistance has been associated with the presence of different mutations causing truncated transcripts of the α6 subunit of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChRα6).

RESULTS

An F1 screen assay followed by the molecular characterization of surviving flies has been used to search for spinosad-resistant alleles in field populations. Two different resistant alleles giving rise to truncated isoforms of Ccα6 have been identified, which corresponds to an estimated allelic frequency of at least 0.0023-0.0046. The fitness values of the resistant nAChRα6 alleles found in the laboratory strain JW-100s were estimated to be 0.4 for RR and 0.2 for SR. Mathematical modelling predicted that spinosad-resistant alleles will rapidly decline over time in field populations if their fitness cost was the same as estimated for laboratory-resistant alleles. However, they are predicted to increase in the field if their fitness cost is lower and resistance management strategies are not implemented.

CONCLUSION

Spinosad-resistant alleles have been detected in field populations for the first time. Our modelling simulations indicate that the best option to delay the appearance of spinosad resistance would be its rotation with other insecticides without cross-resistance. The integrated F1 screen/molecular genetic analysis presented here can be used for future monitoring studies. © 2020 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Inheritance, Fitness Cost, and Management of Lambda-Cyhalothrin Resistance in a Laboratory-Selected Strain of Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann)

The management of the medfly, Ceratitis capitata, in Spanish citrus crops relies mainly on the use of insecticides and the release of sterile males. However, the development of resistance to different insecticides in field populations, including lambda-cyhalothrin, implies a threat for the sustainable control of this pest. The inheritance, fitness cost, and management of lambda-cyhalothrin resistance were examined in the laboratory-selected W-1Kλ strain. We have demonstrated that lambda-cyhalothrin resistance in W-1Kλ is autosomic, completely dominant, and polygenic. In addition, individuals from W-1Kλ showed a lower embryo to pupal viability, a slower developmental time from egg to pupae, and an increase in adults' weight and longevity. We did not find significant trade-offs in the activity of digestive hydrolytic enzymes, with the exception of higher α-amylase activity in W-1Kλ females. A comparative study with different insecticide treatment strategies showed that lambda-cyhalothrin resistance increased when several consecutive treatments with this insecticide were applied. However, the alternation of this insecticide with spinosad was enough to delay the development of resistance. Our results indicate that the rotation of lambda-cyhalothrin with spinosad-a practice already used in some fields-may contribute to prevent the development of resistance.

A glutathione S-transferase (BdGSTd9) participates in malathion resistance via directly depleting malathion and its toxic oxide malaoxon in Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel)

BACKGROUND

The oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel), is a widespread agricultural pest that has evolved resistance to many commonly used insecticides including malathion. Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are multifunctional enzymes that metabolize insecticides directly or indirectly. The specific mechanism used by GSTs to confer malathion resistance in B. dorsalis is unclear.

RESULTS

BdGSTd9 was identified from B. dorsalis and was expressed at twice the level in a malathion-resistant strain (MR) than in a susceptible strain (MS). By using RNAi of BdGSTd9, the toxicity of malathion against MR was increased. Protein modelling and docking of BdGSTd9 with malathion and malaoxon indicated key amino acid residues for direct binding in the active site. In vitro assays with engineered Sf9 cells overexpressing BdGSTd9 demonstrated lower cytotoxicity of malathion. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis indicated that malathion could be broken down significantly by BdGSTd9, and it also could deplete the malathion metabolite malaoxon, which possesses a higher toxicity to B. dorsalis. Taken together, the BdGSTd9 of B. dorsalis could not only deplete malathion, but also react with malaoxon and therefore enhance malathion resistance.

CONCLUSION

BdGSTd9 is a component of malathion resistance in B. dorsalis. It acts by depleting both malathion and malaoxon. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

A Re-Evaluation of Olive Fruit Fly Organophosphate-Resistant Ace Alleles in Iberia, and Field-Testing Population Effects after in-Practice Dimethoate Use

The management of the olive fruit fly (Bactrocera oleae) is traditionally based upon the use of organophosphate insecticides, mainly dimethoate. In this evolutionary arms race between man and pest, the flies have adapted a pesticide resistance, implying two point-mutations of the Ace gene -I214V and G488S- and a 9bp deletion -Δ3Q. We revisited 11 Iberian locations to evaluate this adaptation of organophosphate (OP)-resistant alleles through amplicon sequencing. Screening for populations where the wild type is prevalent allows an identification of hotspots for targeted mitigation measures; we have hence refined the scale to the region with the lowest OP-resistant alleles frequency 71 locations were sampled and individuals checked using a fast and low-cost allele-specific-primer polymerase chain reaction (ASP-PCR) method]. An increase in Ace gene point-mutations was observed, and the Δ3Q mutation remains undetected. The lowest frequencies of the OP-resistant alleles remain in the west, underlining the hypothesis of an introduction of resistance from eastern Mediterranean areas. A field test was performed by sampling the fly population before and after in-practice dimethoate application. A clear reduction in olive fruit fly numbers was observed, with no relevant changes in the genotypic frequencies of the resistance alleles. The findings are discussed in frame of the type and intensity of the selection pressure that has led to the adaptation to resistance and its consequences from the producer perspective.

Functional characterization of CYP6A51, a cytochrome P450 associated with pyrethroid resistance in the Mediterranean fruit fly Ceratitis capitata

Overexpression of the cytochrome P450 monooxygenase CYP6A51 has been previously associated with pyrethroid resistance in the Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly) Ceratitis capitata, an important pest species worldwide; however, this association has not been functionally validated. We expressed CYP6A51 gene in Escherichia coli and produced a functional enzyme with preference for the chemiluminescent substrate Luciferin-ME EGE. In vitro metabolism assays revealed that CYP6A51 is capable of metabolizing two insecticides that share the same mode of action, λ-cyhalothrin and deltamethrin, whereas no metabolism or substrate depletion was observed in the presence of spinosad or malathion. We further expressed CYP6A51 in vivo via a GAL4/UAS system in Drosophila melanogaster flies, driving expression with detoxification tissue-specific drivers. Toxicity bioassays indicated that CYP6A51 confers knock-down resistance to both λ-cyhalothrin and deltamethrin. Detection of CYP6A51 - associated pyrethroid resistance in field populations may be important for efficient Insecticide Resistance Management (IRM) strategies.

Multiple mutations in the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor Ccα6 gene associated with resistance to spinosad in medfly

Spinosad is an insecticide widely used for the control of insect pest species, including Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata. Its target site is the α6 subunit of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, and different mutations in this subunit confer resistance to spinosad in diverse insect species. The insect α6 gene contains 12 exons, with mutually exclusive versions of exons 3 (3a, 3b) and 8 (8a, 8b, 8c). We report here the selection of a medfly strain highly resistant to spinosad, JW-100 s, and we identify three recessive Ccα6 mutant alleles in the JW-100 s population: (i) Ccα63aQ68* containing a point mutation that generates a premature stop codon on exon 3a (3aQ68*); (ii) Ccα63aAG>AT containing a point mutation in the 5' splicing site of exon 3a (3aAG > AT); and (iii) Ccα63aQ68*-K352* that contains the mutation 3aQ68* and another point mutation on exon 10 (K352*). Though our analysis of the susceptibility to spinosad in field populations indicates that resistance has not yet evolved, a better understanding of the mechanism of action of spinosad is essential to implement sustainable management practices to avoid the development of resistance in field populations.

The whole genome sequence of the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann), reveals insights into the biology and adaptive evolution of a highly invasive pest species

Background

The Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly), Ceratitis capitata, is a major destructive insect pest due to its broad host range, which includes hundreds of fruits and vegetables. It exhibits a unique ability to invade and adapt to ecological niches throughout tropical and subtropical regions of the world, though medfly infestations have been prevented and controlled by the sterile insect technique (SIT) as part of integrated pest management programs (IPMs). The genetic analysis and manipulation of medfly has been subject to intensive study in an effort to improve SIT efficacy and other aspects of IPM control.

Results

The 479 Mb medfly genome is sequenced from adult flies from lines inbred for 20 generations. A high-quality assembly is achieved having a contig N50 of 45.7 kb and scaffold N50 of 4.06 Mb. In-depth curation of more than 1800 messenger RNAs shows specific gene expansions that can be related to invasiveness and host adaptation, including gene families for chemoreception, toxin and insecticide metabolism, cuticle proteins, opsins, and aquaporins. We identify genes relevant to IPM control, including those required to improve SIT.

Conclusions

The medfly genome sequence provides critical insights into the biology of one of the most serious and widespread agricultural pests. This knowledge should significantly advance the means of controlling the size and invasive potential of medfly populations. Its close relationship to Drosophila, and other insect species important to agriculture and human health, will further comparative functional and structural studies of insect genomes that should broaden our understanding of gene family evolution.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13059-016-1049-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Identification of a carboxylesterase associated with resistance to naled in Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel)

Compared to other organophosphate-resistant and -susceptible (S) lines of Bactrocera dorsalis, the carboxylesterase (CBE) BdE5 in the naled-resistant (nal-r) line has been found to possess remarkable quantitative elevation. Our study attempts to identify the role of BdE5 in naled resistance, and we discovered several points of interest. Firstly, activity staining on native PAGE revealed that the percentage of flies with intensive BdE5 bands in the nal-r line was substantially higher than in the S line, indicating that the BdE5 band correlates with naled susceptibility. Secondly, in vitro and in vivo inhibition assays showed that BdE5 was inhibited by naled in both lines; under diagnostic doses of naled, the overall extent of inhibition on CBEs was much greater in the S line than in the nal-r line. Thirdly, NanoLC-nanoESi-MS/MS analysis used the NCBI database to identify and annotate BdE5 as an esterase FE4-like (XP_011200445.1) in B. dorsalis. Fourthly, rapid amplification of cDNA ends was used to obtain the 2012-bp full-length BdE5 cDNA, which contained an open reading frame of 1770bp and encoded a putative protein of 590 amino acid residues. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that BdE5 is a secreted β-esterase (E clade) closely related to CG6414 (NP_570089), a CBE in Drosophila melanogaster. Finally, our relative quantification real-time PCR data showed a significant elevation in transcript levels of the BdE5 gene in nal-r line. Our results confirmed that BdE5 is correlated with naled resistance and provides further understanding about the identification and molecular characteristics of BdE5 in B. dorsalis.

Multiple Mutations on the Second Acetylcholinesterase Gene Associated With Dimethoate Resistance in the Melon Aphid, Aphis gossypii (Hemiptera: Aphididae)

The melon aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover (Hemiptera: Aphididae), is an important cosmopolitan and extremely polyphagous species capable of causing direct and indirect damage to various crops. Insecticide resistance in melon aphids is of particular concern. To determine the basis of resistance, organophosphate (OP)-resistant strains of A. gossypii were obtained by continuous selection with dimethoate in the laboratory, and resistance mechanisms were investigated along with susceptible strains. Three resistant strains LKR-1, LKR-2, and LKR-3 exhibiting 270-, 243-, and 210-fold resistance obtained after 30 generations of selection with dimethoate, respectively, were utilized in this study. The role of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), a target enzyme for OPs and carbamates (CMs), was investigated. AChE enzyme assay revealed that there was no significant change in the activities of AChE in resistant and susceptible strains. However, AChE inhibitory assay showed that 50% of the enzyme activity in resistant strains was inhibited at significantly higher concentration of dimethoate (131.87, 158.65, and 99.29 µmolL(−1)) as compared with susceptible strains (1.75 and 2.01 µmolL(−1)), indicating AChE insensitivity owing to altered AChE. Molecular diagnostic tool polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism revealed the existence of two consistent non-synonymous point mutations, single-nucleotide polymorphism, viz., A302S (equivalent to A201 in Torpedo californica Ayres) and S431F (equivalent to F331 in T. californica), in the AChE gene Ace2 of resistant strains. Further, cloning and sequencing of a partial fragment of Ace2 (897 bp) gene from susceptible and resistant strains revealed an additional novel mutation G221A in resistant strains, LKR-1 and LKR-2. Susceptible Ace2 genes shared 99.6 and 98.9% identity at the nucleic acid and amino acid levels with resistant ones, respectively. Functional analysis of these point mutations was assessed by in silico docking studies using the modeled wild-type and naturally mutated AChE2. Computational analysis showed that the conformational changes in AChE2 active site due to structural gene substitutions (A302S, S431F, and G221A) significantly reduced the level of ligand (OP-dimethoate, omethoate, and CM-pirimicarb) binding, suggesting that they are potentially associated with resistance development. These results unambiguously suggested that multiple mutations located in the enzyme active site are responsible for AChE insensitivity to dimethoate and are likely the molecular basis for dimethoate resistance in these selected field populations of A. gossypii.

Geographical distribution and frequencies of organophosphate-resistant Ace alleles and morphometric variations in olive fruit fly populations

BACKGROUND

In the Mediterranean basin, organophosphate (OP) insecticides have been used intensively to control olive fly populations. Acetylcholinesterase (Ace) is the molecular target of OP insecticides, and three resistance-associated mutations that confer different levels of OP insensitivity have been identified. In this study, genotypes of olive fly Ace were determined in field-collected populations from broad geographical areas in Turkey. In addition, the levels of asymmetry of wing and leg characters were compared in these populations.

RESULTS

Our study revealed the existence of a genetically smooth stratification pattern in OP resistance allele distribution in the olive fly populations of Turkey. In contrast to earlier findings, the frequency of Δ3Q was found to be lower in the Aegean region, where the populations have been subjected to high selection pressure. Results based on the morphological differences among the samples revealed a similar pattern for both sides and did not demonstrate a clear separation.

CONCLUSION

The frequencies and geographic range of resistance alleles indicate that they were selected in the Aegean coast of Turkey and then spread westward towards Europe. One possible explanation for the absence of morphological asymmetry in olive fly samples might be the presence of modifier allele(s) that compensate for the increase in asymmetry.

Resistance to lambda-cyhalothrin in Spanish field populations of Ceratitis capitata and metabolic resistance mediated by P450 in a resistant strain

BACKGROUND

The withdrawal of malathion in the European Union in 2009 resulted in a large increase in lambda-cyhalothrin applications for the control of the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata, in Spanish citrus crops.

RESULTS

Spanish field populations of C. capitata have developed resistance to lambda-cyhalothrin (6-14-fold), achieving LC50 values (129-287 ppm) higher than the recommended concentration for field treatments (125 ppm). These results contrast with the high susceptibility to lambda-cyhalothrin found in three Tunisian field populations. We have studied the mechanism of resistance in the laboratory-selected resistant strain W-1Kλ (205-fold resistance). Bioassays with synergists showed that resistance was almost completely suppressed by the P450 inhibitor PBO. The study of the expression of 53 P450 genes belonging to the CYP4, CYP6, CYP9 and CYP12 families in C. capitata revealed that CYP6A51 was overexpressed (13-18-fold) in the resistant strain. The W-1Kλ strain also showed high levels of cross-resistance to etofenprox (240-fold) and deltamethrin (150-fold).

CONCLUSION

Field-evolved resistance to lambda-cyhalothrin has been found in C. capitata. Metabolic resistance mediated by P450 appears to be the main resistance mechanism in the resistant strain W-1Kλ. The levels of cross-resistance found may compromise the effectiveness of other pyrethroids for the control of this species. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry.

Overexpression of two α-esterase genes mediates metabolic resistance to malathion in the oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel)

Esterase has been reported to be involved in malathion resistance in the oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel). However, the underlying molecular mechanism of the esterase-mediated resistance remains largely unknown in this species. Here, with the use of a strain selected for malathion resistance in the laboratory (MR), we found that two overexpressed α-esterase genes, namely BdCarE4 and BdCarE6, predominant in the adult midgut and fat body, function in conferring malathion resistance in B. dorsalis. Notably, these two genes were found to be mostly close to the esterase E3, which are usually implicated in detoxifying organophosphate insecticides. The transcript levels of BdCarE4 and BdCarE6 were investigated and compared between the MR and a susceptible (MS) strain of B. dorsalis. Both genes were significantly up-regulated in the MR strain, which was consistent with the enhanced esterase activity in the MR strain. However, no changes in either the coding sequence or gene copy number were observed between the two strains. Subsequently, heterologous expression combined with cytotoxicity assay in Sf9 cells demonstrated that BdCarE4 and BdCarE6 can probably detoxify malathion. Furthermore, RNA interference-mediated knockdown of each of these two genes significantly increased malathion susceptibility in the MR strain adults. In conclusion, these results expand our molecular understanding of the important role of α-esterases during the development of resistance to organophosphorous insecticides in B. dorsalis.

Discovery of genes related to formothion resistance in oriental fruit fly (Bactrocera dorsalis) by a constrained functional genomics analysis

Artificial selection can provide insights into how insecticide resistance mechanisms evolve in populations. The underlying basis of such phenomena can involve complex interactions of multiple genes, and the resolution of this complexity first necessitates confirmation that specific genes are involved in resistance mechanisms. Here, we used a novel approach invoking a constrained RNA sequencing analysis to refine the discovery of specific genes involved in insecticide resistance. Specifically, for gene discovery, an additional constraint was added to the traditional comparisons of susceptible vs. resistant flies by the incorporation of a line in which insecticide susceptibility was 'recovered' within a resistant line by the removal of insecticide stress. In our analysis, the criterion for the classification of any gene as related to insecticide resistance was based on evidence for differential expression in the resistant line as compared with both the susceptible and recovered lines. The incorporation of this additional constraint reduced the number of differentially expressed genes putatively involved in resistance to 464, compared with more than 1000 that had been identified previously using this same species. In addition, our analysis identified several key genes involved in metabolic detoxification processes that showed up-regulated expression. Furthermore, the involvement of acetylcholinesterase, a known target for modification in insecticide resistance, was associated with three key nonsynonymous amino acid substitutions within our data. In conclusion, the incorporation of an additional constraint using a 'recovered' line for gene discovery provides a higher degree of confidence in genes identified to be involved in insecticide resistance phenomena.

Two homologous carboxylesterase genes from Locusta migratoria with different tissue expression patterns and roles in insecticide detoxification

Carboxylesterases (CarEs) play a crucial role in detoxification of xenobiotics and resistance to insecticides in insects. In this study, two cDNAs of CarE genes (LmCesA4 and LmCesA5) were sequenced from the migratory locust, Locusta migratoria. The cDNAs of LmCesA4 and LmCesA5 putatively encoded 538 and 470 amino acid residues, respectively. The deduced amino acid sequences of the two CarE genes showed 45.0% identities, possessed highly conserved catalytic triads (Ser-Glu-His), and clustered in phylogenetic analysis. These results suggest that they are homologous genes. Both CarE genes were expressed throughout the developmental stages. However, LmCesA4 was predominately expressed in the midgut (including the gastric caeca) and fat bodies, whereas LmCesA5 was mainly expressed in the gastric caeca. The in situ hybridization results showed that the transcripts of the two genes were localized in apical and basal regions of the columnar cells in the gastric caeca. Gene silencing followed by insecticide bioassay increased the mortalities of deltamethrin-, malathion-, and carbaryl-treated locusts by 29.5%, 31.0% and 20.4%, respectively, after the locusts were injected with LmCesA4 double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). In contrast, the injection of LmCesA5 dsRNA did not significantly increase the susceptibility of the locusts to any of these insecticides. These results suggest that these genes not only show different tissue expression patterns but also play different roles in insecticide detoxification.

Genotype to phenotype, the molecular and physiological dimensions of resistance in arthropods

The recent accumulation of molecular studies on mutations in insects, ticks and mites conferring resistance to insecticides, acaricides and biopesticides is reviewed. Resistance is traditionally classified by physiological and biochemical criteria, such as target-site insensitivity and metabolic resistance. However, mutations are discrete molecular changes that differ in their intrinsic frequency, effects on gene dosage and fitness consequences. These attributes in turn impact the population genetics of resistance and resistance management strategies, thus calling for a molecular genetic classification. Mutations in structural genes remain the most abundantly described, mostly in genes coding for target proteins. These provide the most compelling examples of parallel mutations in response to selection. Mutations causing upregulation and downregulation of genes, both in cis (in the gene itself) and in trans (in regulatory processes) remain difficult to characterize precisely. Gene duplications and gene disruption are increasingly reported. Gene disruption appears prevalent in the case of multiple, hetero-oligomeric or redundant targets.

Pathogenicity of Beauveria bassiana isolated from Moroccan Argan forests soil against larvae of Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae) in laboratory conditions

The Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata Wiedemann (Diptera: Tephritidae), is the major tephritid pest in Morocco. This pest survives in Moroccan forests Argania spinosa and continually invades the nearest agricultural areas. Entomopathogenic fungi are an interesting tool for fruit fly control and hold a useful alternative to conventional insecticides. However, primary selection of effective pathogens should be taken in laboratory condition prior to applying them in the field. Here, we used third late instar larvae of C. capitata to investigate the effectiveness of 15 local Beauveria bassiana isolates. Results showed that all isolates were able to infect the larval stage, producing a large mortality rate in puparia ranging from 65 to 95 % and caused significant reduction in adult emergence. The fungal treatments revealed that the mycosis occurred also in adults escaping infection as pupariating larvae. The percentage of mycosed puparia was highest in strain TAM6.2 (95 %) followed by ERS4.16 (90 %), therefore they were the most virulent. Median lethal concentration (LC₅₀) was studied for five isolates at four concentrations ranging from 10⁵ to 10⁸ conidia ml⁻¹. The results showed that the slopes of regression lines for B. bassiana ERS4.16 (slope = 0.386) and TAM6.2 (slope = 0.41) were the most important and had the lowest LC₅₀ values (2.85 × 10³ and 3.16 × 10³ conidia ml⁻¹ respectively). This investigation suggests that the soil of Argan forests contains pathogenic B. bassiana isolates and highlights for the first time their potential as biological control toward C. capitata larval stage in Morocco.

Global distribution and origin of target site insecticide resistance mutations in Tetranychus urticae

The control of Tetranychus urticae, a worldwide agricultural pest, is largely dependent on pesticides. However, their efficacy is often compromised by the development of resistance. Recent molecular studies identified a number of target site resistance mutations, such as G119S, A201S, T280A, G328A, F331W in the acetylcholinesterase gene, L1024V, A1215D, F1538I in the voltage-gated sodium channel gene, G314D and G326E in glutamate-gated chloride channel genes, G126S, I136T, S141F, D161G, P262T in the cytochrome b and the I1017F in the chitin synthase 1 gene. We examined their distribution, by sequencing the relevant gene fragments in a large number of T. urticae collections from a wide geographic range. Our study revealed that most of the resistance mutations are spread worldwide, with remarkably variable frequencies. Furthermore, we analyzed the variability of the ace locus, which has been subjected to longer periods of selection pressure historically, to investigate the evolutionary origin of ace resistant alleles and determine whether they resulted from single or multiple mutation events. By sequencing a 1540 bp ace fragment, encompassing the resistance mutations and downstream introns in 139 T. urticae individuals from 27 countries, we identified 6 susceptible and 31 resistant alleles which have arisen from at least three independent mutation events. The frequency and distribution of these ace haplotypes varied geographically, suggesting an interplay between different mutational events, gene flow and local selection.

Extensive Ace2 duplication and multiple mutations on Ace1 and Ace2 are related with high level of organophosphates resistance in Aphis gossypii

Aphis gossypii (Glover) has been found to possess multiple mutations in the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) gene (Ace) that might involve target site insensitivity. In vitro functional expression of AChEs reveals that the resistant Ace1 (Ace1R) and Ace2 (Ace2R) were significantly less inhibited by eserine, omethoate, and malaoxon than the susceptible Ace1 (Ace1S) and Ace2 (Ace2S). Furthermore, in both the mutant and susceptible AChEs, Ace2 was significantly less sensitive to eserine, omethoate, and malaoxon than Ace1. These results suggested that both the mutant Ace1 and Ace2 were responsible for omethoate resistance, while the mutant Ace2 played a major role in insecticide resistance. The DNA copy number and transcription level of Ace2 were 1.52- and 1.88-fold higher in the ORR strain than in the OSS strain. Furthermore, the DNA copy number and transcription level of Ace2 were significantly higher than that of Ace1 in either OSS or ORR strains, demonstrating the involvement of Ace2 gene duplication in resistance. Thus, the authors conclude that omethoate resistance in cotton aphids appears to have evolved through a combination of multiple mutations and extensive Ace2R gene duplication.

Susceptibility status of Culex quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae) populations to the chemical insecticide temephos in Pernambuco, Brazil

BACKGROUND

Culex quinquefasciatus is the vector of many agents of human diseases, including Wuchereria bancrofti, the parasite that causes bancroftian filariasis, an endemic disease in Pernambuco State, Brazil. Although temephos is not currently used to control C. quinquefasciatus, the species might be under a selection process from incidental exposure to this compound. This study aimed to evaluate the susceptibility status of C. quinquefasciatus to temephos, using bioassays, and to investigate its putative resistance mechanisms through biochemical assays and screening of the G119S mutation in the acetylcholinesterase gene, which is associated with organophosphate resistance, carried out by PCR and sequencing.

RESULTS

The results showed that only mosquitoes from Santa Cruz do Capibaribe (SC) had an alteration in their susceptibility status (RR = 7.2-fold), while the other populations were all susceptible to the insecticide. Biochemical assays showed increased activity for all esterases in SC, as well as evidence of acetylcholinesterase insensitivity. The G119S mutation was detected in this population with a frequency of 0.11, but it was not found in the remaining populations.

CONCLUSION

These data show that mechanisms of temephos resistance have been selected in natural C. quinquefasciatus populations from Pernambuco, which could undermine future control actions.

Novel and viable acetylcholinesterase target site for developing effective and environmentally safe insecticides

Insect pests are responsible for human suffering and financial losses worldwide. New and environmentally safe insecticides are urgently needed to cope with these serious problems. Resistance to current insecticides has resulted in a resurgence of insect pests, and growing concerns about insecticide toxicity to humans discourage the use of insecticides for pest control. The small market for insecticides has hampered insecticide development; however, advances in genomics and structural genomics offer new opportunities to develop insecticides that are less dependent on the insecticide market. This review summarizes the literature data that support the hypothesis that an insect-specific cysteine residue located at the opening of the acetylcholinesterase active site is a promising target site for developing new insecticides with reduced off-target toxicity and low propensity for insect resistance. These data are used to discuss the differences between targeting the insect-specific cysteine residue and targeting the ubiquitous catalytic serine residue of acetylcholinesterase from the perspective of reducing off-target toxicity and insect resistance. Also discussed is the prospect of developing cysteine-targeting anticholinesterases as effective and environmentally safe insecticides for control of disease vectors, crop damage, and residential insect pests within the financial confines of the present insecticide market.

Fitness costs of an insecticide resistance and their population dynamical consequences in the oriental fruit fly

Naled is a commonly used insecticide for controlling populations of the oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel), in Taiwan and other countries. B. dorsalis has developed resistance to the insecticide, and the resistance management is an important issue. Ecological effects (e.g., fitness costs) of the resistance, when fully understood, can be used for the resistance management. This study examined the effects of the insecticide resistance on important life history traits (i.e., survival rates, stage durations, and fecundity) of the oriental fruit fly by comparing the traits of insecticide resistant individuals and susceptible individuals. Population dynamical properties were also examined using a stage-structured matrix model that was parameterized with the empirical data. The results revealed that susceptible individuals had shorter stage durations (e.g., grew faster) and reproduced more than resistant individuals. The average longevity of sexually mature susceptible adults was longer than that of sexually mature resistant adults. The matrix population model predicted that a population of the susceptible individuals would grow faster than a population of the resistant individuals in the absence of the insecticide. The sensitivity analysis of the model suggests that the sexually immature adult stage is a good candidate for controlling B. dorsalis populations.

Contribution of Ldace1 gene to acetylcholinesterase activity in Colorado potato beetle

The Colorado potato beetle (CPB), Leptinotarsa decemlineata is an important economic pest of potato worldwide. Resistance to organophosphates and carbamates in CPB has been associated in some cases to point mutations in the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) gene Ldace2, an orthologue of Drosophila melanogaster Dmace2. In this paper we report cloning and sequencing of Ldace1, an orthologue of Anopheles gambiae Agace1 that was previously unknown in CPB. The Ldace1 coding enzyme contains all residues conserved in a functionally active AChE. Ldace1 is expressed at higher levels (between 2- and 11-fold) than Ldace2 in embryos, in the four larval instars and in adults. Specific interference of Ldace1 by means of dsRNA injection resulted in a reduction of AChE activity to an approximate 50% compared to control, whilst interference of Ldace2 reduced AChE activity to an approximate 85%. Analysis of zymograms of AChE activity after interference indicates that LdAChE1 is the enzyme predominantly responsible for the activity visualised. Interference of Ldace1 in CPB adults caused a significant increase in mortality (43%) as early as three days post-injection (p.i.), suggesting the essential role of Ldace1. Interference of Ldace2 also caused a significant increase in mortality (29%) compared to control, although at seven days p.i. The effect of the interference of Ldace1 on susceptibility to the organophosphate chlorpyrifos points out that LdAChE1 could be a main target for this insecticide. In the light of our results, studies associating resistance in CPB to mutations in Ldace2 should be reviewed, taking into consideration analysis of the Ldace1 gene.

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.

Occurrence, characterization and insecticidal activity of Bacillus thuringiensis strains isolated from argan fields in Morocco

Soils collected from five locations in the argan forest (an endemic plant) in Morocco were used to form the first collection of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) strains from this area (58 strains). Here we found that the argan forest is a major source of Bt, as 90.62% of the samples contained Bt strains. These strains produced mainly spherical or irregular crystals that in some cases remained adhered to the spore after cell lysis. There was no strain producing bipyramidal crystals, suggesting the absence of strains bearing crv1 genes. This was confirmed by PCR analysis using eight primer pairs that can potentially detect 13 different groups of cry and cyt genes. Strains containing cry7/8 were the most abundant (25.53%), followed by strains harbouring cry9A (14.89%), cry11 (8.51%) and cry4 (4.25%). The mixtures of spores and crystals as well as culture supernatants were assayed for toxicity towards Ceratitis capitata (Medfly), showing up to 30% mortality. Our findings suggest that the argan region is a suitable target for future and wider screening programmes looking for strains bearing toxins or combinations of them to develop more efficient Bt-based formulates.

Cloning, sequence identification and expression profile analysis of α-L-fucosidase gene from the Mediterranean fruit fly Ceratitis capitata

The Mediterranean fruit fly Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae) is one of the most destructive agricultural pests, a polyphagus insect of relevant economic importance and is widespread in many regions around the world. It is the best-studied fruit fly pest at genetic and molecular level and much has been learned on its ecology and behaviour. An α-L-fucosidase has been recently hypothesized to be involved in sperm-egg interactions in Drosophila melanogaster and in other Drosophila species. Here, a complete cDNA encoding a putative α-L-fucosidase of the medfly was amplified using the reverse polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) with degenerate based on the conserved coding sequence information of several insect α-L-fucosidases, cloned and sequenced (GenBank accession no. FJ177429). The coding region consisted of 1482 bp which encoded a 485-residues protein (named CcFUCA) with a predicted molecular mass of 56.1 kDa. The deduced protein sequence showed 75% amino acid identity to D. melanogaster α-L-fucosidase, and in fact the phylogenetic tree analysis revealed that CcFUCA had closer relationships with the α-L-fucosidases of drosophilid species. The tissue expression analysis indicated that CcFuca was expressed in a single transcript in all tissues, suggesting a ubiquitous localization pattern of the encoded protein. Our findings provide novel insights on a gene encoding a protein potentially involved in primary gamete interactions in C. capitata.

Altered GPI modification of insect AChE improves tolerance to organophosphate insecticides

The olive fruit fly Bactrocera oleae is the most destructive and intractable pest of olives. The management of B. oleae has been based on the use of organophosphate (OP) insecticides, a practice that induced resistance. OP-resistance in the olive fly was previously shown to be associated with two mutations in the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzyme that, apparently, hinder the entrance of the OP into the active site. The search for additional mutations in the ace gene that encodes AChE revealed a short deletion of three glutamines (Δ3Q) from a stretch of five glutamines, in the C-terminal peptide that is normally cleaved and substituted by a GPI anchor. We verified that AChEs from B. oleae and other Dipterans are actually GPI-anchored, although this is not predicted by the "big-PI" algorithm. The Δ3Q mutation shortens the unusually long hydrophilic spacer that follows the predicted GPI attachment site and may thus improve the efficiency of GPI anchor addition. We expressed the wild type B. oleae AChE, the natural mutant Δ3Q and a constructed mutant lacking all 5 consecutive glutamines (Δ5Q) in COS cells and compared their kinetic properties. All constructs presented identical K(m) and k(cat) values, in agreement with the fact that the mutations did not affect the catalytic domain of the enzyme. In contrast, the mutants produced higher AChE activity, suggesting that a higher proportion of the precursor protein becomes GPI-anchored. An increase in the number of GPI-anchored molecules in the synaptic cleft may reduce the sensitivity to insecticides.

Tracking medfly predation by the wolf spider, Pardosa cribata Simon, in citrus orchards using PCR-based gut-content analysis

The Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann), which is often controlled chemically, is a major citrus pest in Spain; however, alternative biological control strategies such as those based on the conservation of polyphagous predators should be developed. The wolf spider, Pardosa cribata Simon, is an abundant predator found in citrus orchards in eastern Spain. In this study, we have evaluated polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based techniques as a means of detecting C. capitata DNA remains in P. cribata specimens. To do so, two pairs of C. capitata species-specific primers were designed and tested. Primer specificity was tested on species closely related to C. capitata and with other pests and natural enemies present in citrus orchards. Medfly DNA was detectable in 100% of P. cribata from 0 to 12 h post ingestion for both primer pairs, decreasing to 37% at 96 h after prey ingestion for one pair of primers. DNA detectability half-lives were of 78.25 h and 78.08 h for each pair of primers but no statistical differences were found between them. Pardosa cribata specimens were field-collected daily after sterile C. capitata pupae had been deployed in the citrus orchard. Afterwards, the wolf spiders were analyzed and DNA remains of C. capitata were detected in 5% of them, with a peak of 15% coinciding with maximum C. capitata emergence. This study is the first to reveal the potential use of DNA markers to track medfly predation by P. cribata in citrus orchards and provides a new tool to estimate the potential role of this spider in biological-control conservation programs.

Acetylcholinesterase point mutations in European strains of Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae) resistant to organophosphates

BACKGROUND

In Tetranychus urticae Koch, acetylcholinesterase insensitivity is often involved in organophosphate (OP) and carbamate (CARB) resistance. By combining toxicological, biochemical and molecular data from three reference laboratory and three OP selected strains (OP strains), the AChE1 mutations associated with resistance in T. urticae were characterised.

RESULTS

The resistance ratios of the OP strains varied from 9 to 43 for pirimiphos-methyl, from 78 to 586 for chlorpyrifos, from 8 to 333 for methomyl and from 137 to 4164 for dimethoate. The insecticide concentration needed to inhibit 50% of the AChE1 activity was, in the OP strains, at least 2.7, 55, 58 and 31 times higher for the OP pirimiphos-methyl, chlorpyrifos oxon, paraoxon and omethoate respectively, and 87 times higher for the CARB carbaryl. By comparing the AChE1 sequence, four amino acid substitutions were detected in the OP strains: (1) F331W (Torpedo numbering) in all the three OP strains; (2) T280A found in the three OP strains but not in all clones; (3) G328A, found in two OP strains; (4) A201S found in only one OP strain.

CONCLUSIONS

Four AChE1 mutations were found in resistant strains of T. urticae, and three of them, F331W, G328A and A201S, are possibly involved in resistance to OP and CARB insecticides. Among them, F331W is probably the most important and the most common in T. urticae. It can be easily detected by the diagnostic PCR-RLFP assay developed in this study.

Molecular cloning and characterization of an acetylcholinesterase cDNA in the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens

A full cDNA encoding an acetylcholinesterase (AChE, EC 3.1.1.7) was cloned and characterized from the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens Stål (Hemiptera: Delphacidae). The complete cDNA (2467 bp) contains a 1938-bp open reading frame encoding 646 amino acid residues. The amino acid sequence of the AChE deduced from the cDNA consists of 30 residues for a putative signal peptide and 616 residues for the mature protein with a predicted molecular weight of 69,418. The three residues (Ser242, Glu371, and His485) that putatively form the catalytic triad and the six Cys that form intra-subunit disulfide bonds are completely conserved, and 10 out of the 14 aromatic residues lining the active site gorge of the AChE are also conserved. Northern blot analysis of poly(A)+ RNA showed an approximately 2.6-kb transcript, and Southern blot analysis revealed there likely was just a single copy of this gene in N. lugens. The deduced protein sequence is most similar to AChE of Nephotettix cincticeps with 83% amino acid identity. Phylogenetic analysis constructed with 45 AChEs from 30 species showed that the deduced N. lugens AChE formed a cluster with the other 8 insect AChE2s. Additionally, the hypervariable region and amino acids specific to insect AChE2 also existed in the AChE of N. lugens. The results revealed that the AChE cDNA cloned in this work belongs to insect AChE2 subgroup, which is orthologous to Drosophila AChE. Comparison of the AChEs between the susceptible and resistant strains revealed a point mutation, Gly185Ser, is likely responsible for the insensitivity of the AChE to methamidopho in the resistant strain.