Resistance characterization of Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) to pyrethroids

It was confirmed field-evolved pyrethroid resistance in western corn rootworm populations from Southwest Nebraska and Kansas but the mechanisms involved were unknown. Therefore, the aim of this project was to identify specific mutations of the target site (sodium channel) or changes in regulation of genes encoding detoxification enzymes. It has become increasingly apparent that single tactic approaches to managing rootworm populations are unlikely to be sustainable and that integration of both biotechnology and traditional chemistry may be necessary to increase durability rootworm management approaches. The increased usage of pyrethroid insecticides and the potential for resistance evolution threatens not only the future use of this important insecticide class but the potential to integrate these compounds with biotechnological approaches to rootworm management.