Independently evolved and gene flow‐accelerated pesticide resistance in two‐spotted spider mites

Pest species are often able to develop resistance to pesticides used to control them, depending on how rapidly resistance can emerge within a population or spread from another resistant population. We examined the evolution of bifenazate resistance in China in the two‐spotted spider mite (TSSM) Tetranychus uticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae), one of the most resistant arthropods, by using bioassays, detection of mutations in the target cytb gene, and population genetic structure analysis using microsatellite markers. Bioassays showed variable levels of resistance to bifenazate. The cytb mutation G126S, which confers medium resistance in TSSM to bifenazate, had previously been detected prior to the application of bifenazate and was now widespread, suggesting likely resistance evolution from standing genetic variation. G126S was detected in geographically distant populations across different genetic clusters, pointing to the independent origin of this mutation in different TSSM populations..., Micorsatellites data in genepop formatMicorsatellites data in genepop format for 10 populations of Tetranychus uticaeTU_10pop_genepop.txtThe cytb gene sequences for all individuals of Tetranychus uticaeThe cytb gene sequences for all individuals of Tetranychus uticae from 10 populationsTSSM_all(207)_cytb.fasThirteen haplotypes of cytb gene for Tetranychus uticaeThirteen haplotypes of cytb gene for Tetranychus uticaeTSSM-world-13haps.fas,