Relationship of pirimicarb resistance and acetylcolinesterase mutation in predator akar Neoseiulus californicus (Acari: Phytoseidae) populations

The predatory mite Neoseiulus californicus McGregor (Acari: Phytoseiidae) is an important natural enemy used in the control of phytophagous mites in production areas. However, the surplus in insecticide applications in plant production reduces the chance of success in biological control. In this study, it was aimed to determine the development of resistance against pirimicarb active ingredient insecticide, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzyme activity and mutation in the target site in the predator mite N. californicus. For this purpose, pirimicarb resistance levels of N. californicus in selection and field populations were determined by leaf disc-spraying tower method. Bioassay trials were established with 7 doses + 1 control and 3 replications, and the larval stage, which is the most sensitive stage of N. californicus, was used for this procedure. Dead-alive counts were made at the end of the 7th day and resistance rates were determined. Pirimicarb resistance of N. californicus was determined between 68.8 times in the selection population and between 2.4 and 27 times in the field populations. In the study, AChE enzyme activities were found to be higher in all N. californicus populations compared to the sensitive population. F331W mutation, which is thought to be associated with pirimicarb resistance, was first detected in N. californicus predator mite in all populations selected and collected from the field in the study.