A NEW RESISTANCE TO PYRETHROIDS IN TRIBOLIUM-CASTANEUM (HERBST)

The characteristics of a new high‐level, field‐derived resistance to pyrethroids in Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) were investigated using impregnated‐paper and treated‐grain assays. Piperonyl butoxide almost completely suppressed the resistance, suggesting that the major resistance mechanism was microsomal oxidation. Resistance extended to all pyrethroids tested and to carbaryl but not to organophosphorus insecticides or to methoprene. Resistance was strongest against α—CN phenoxybenzyl cyclopropanecarboxylate pyrethroids and was correlated with structural modifications of the pyrethroid molecule, results also consistent with oxidative resistance. This resistance will ultimately result in failures to control T. castaneum if pyrethroids, such as deltamethrin, cypermethrin or cyfluthrin, are used in the field, even if they are synergised with piperonyl butoxide. The resistance does not jeopardise organophosphorus materials (e.g. fenitrothion, chlorpyrifos‐methyl, pirimiphos‐methyl, methacrifos) or methoprene. Copyright © 1990 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd