Survey on the presence of MACE and kdr mutations in populations of the green peach aphid (Myzus persicae) from Emilia-Romagna peach orchards: preliminary results

The green peach aphid (Myzus persicae), is lastly one of well studied insect model to dissect insecticide resistance mechanisms. As a result, a few in-vitro diagnostic tools were added to the traditional in-vivo bioassays to monitor the presence of resistance in populations of this pest. Since different control strategies and different resistance mechanisms are often involved, both biochemical and molecular approaches must be followed. Biochemical assays can be used to asses esterase detoxifying/sequestering activity as well as the acetylcholinesterase insensitivity to some insecticides. Molecular screening by RFLP-PCR, may be also effectively performed to detect previously identified target site mutations. Herewith we analyzed aphid populations collected in peach orchards from Emilia-Romagna (the most important peach growing area in Italy) for the presence of elevated esterase expression and acetylcholinesterase insensitivity to pirmicarb. Gene mutation occurrence in acetylcholinesterase (S431F) and in voltage-dependent sodium channel (kdr), conferring resistance to dimethylcarbammates.and pyretroids respectively, have been also.checked. Information regarding the co-selection of different insecticide resistance mechanisms are thought supporting technical assistance services, to select the most suitable pest management strategies against M. persicae.