Pyrethroid resistance monitoring in European populations of pollen beetle (Meligethes spp.): a coordinated approach through the Insecticide Resistance Action Committee (IRAC).
BACKGROUND
Pollen beetle (Meligethes spp.) is a major pest of European oilseed rape crops. Its resistance to pyrethroid insecticides has been recorded in samples of beetles collected in Europe since at least 1999, and problems with the control of the beetle in the field have been widely reported. In 2007, a Pollen Beetle Working Group was formed through the Insecticide Resistance Action Committee (IRAC) in order to coordinate efforts for surveying pyrethroid resistance development.


RESULTS
The results of the first 3 years of the pollen beetle pyrethroid susceptibility survey using a laboratory test are presented in this paper. Resistant beetle samples were collected from 20 of the 21 countries surveyed, with a general trend of increasing frequency and spread of resistant samples in European oilseed-rape-growing regions.


CONCLUSIONS
Pyrethroid-resistant beetles dominate in Western and Central Europe and are becoming established in the North and East, the main oilseed-rape-growing areas of Europe. The development and spread of pyrethroid-resistant pollen beetles highlights the need for effective management strategies for oilseed rape insect pests.
Syngenta Crop Protection, Werk Stein, Stein, Switzerland. Russell.Slater@syngenta.com
Russell
R
Slater
Steve
S
Ellis
Jean-Paul
JP
Genay
Udo
U
Heimbach
Gerald
G
Huart
Michel
M
Sarazin
Chris
C
Longhurst
Andreas
A
Müller
Ralf
R
Nauen
Jean Luc
JL
Rison
Fabrice
F
Robin
D026683:Advisory Committees; D000818:Animals; D029741:Brassica rapa / Q000469:parasitology*; D001517:Coleoptera / Q000502:physiology; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods; D005060:Europe; D007305:Insecticide Resistance; D007306:Insecticides; D010571:Pest Control / Q000379:methods; D010935:Plant Diseases / Q000469:parasitology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011722:Pyrethrins
D007306:Insecticides; D011722:Pyrethrins