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Insecticide resistance has developed in several populations of the whitefly Bemisia tabaci worldwide and threatens to compromise the efficacy of chemical control. The molecular mechanisms underpinning resistance have been characterized and markers associated with the trait have been identified, allowing the development of diagnostics for individual insects.TaqMan and Droplet Digital PCR (ddPCR) assays were developed and validated, in individual and pooled whitefly samples, respectively, for the following target-site mutations: the acetylcholinesterase (ace1) F331W mutation conferring organophosphate-resistance; the voltage-gated sodium channel (vgsc) mutations L925I and T929V conferring pyrethroid-resistance; and the acetyl-CoA carboxylase (acc) A2083V mutation conferring ketoenol-resistance. The ddPCR's limit of detection (LoD) was0.2% (i.e. detection of one heterozygote whitefly in a pool of 249 wild-type individuals). The assays were applied in 11 B. tabaci field populations from four locations in Crete, Greece. The F331W mutation was detected to be fixed or close to fixation in eight of 11 B. tabaci populations, and at lower frequency in the remaining ones. The pyrethroid-resistance mutations were detected at very high frequencies. The A2083V spiromesifen resistance mutation was detected in eight of 11 populations (frequencies = 6.16-89.56%). Spiromesifen phenotypic resistance monitoring showed that the populations tested had variable levels of resistance, ranging from full susceptibility to high resistance. A strong spiromesifen-resistance phenotype-genotype (A2083V) correlation (rThe ddPCR diagnostics developed in this study are a valuable tool to support evidence-based rational use of insecticides and resistance management strategies. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Resistance to pyrethroid insecticides has evolved inBactrocera oleaepopulations in Greece, threatening the efficacy of control interventions based on this insecticide class. Here we report the collection of populations from Crete with resistance levels reaching up to 331-folds, compared to susceptible laboratory strains and show that pyrethroid resistance is substantially suppressed by the PBO synergist, suggesting the involvement of detoxification enzymes. To identify specific candidate genes implicated in resistance, we performed comparative transcriptomic analysis, between the pyrethroid resistant populations from Crete and the susceptible laboratory strains, using both whole bodies and Malpighian tubules. Several genes were found differentially transcribed between resistant and susceptible flies in each comparison, with P450s being among the most highly over-expressed detoxification genes in pyrethroid resistant populations. Four of the over-expressed P450s (Cyp6A61, Cyp6G6, Cyp4P6andCyp6G28) were recombinantly expressed inEscherichia coliandin vitrometabolism assays revealed that CYP6A61 is capable of metabolizing alpha-cypermethrin, while CYP6G6, CYP4P6 and CYP6G28 are capable of metabolizing deltamethrin. No metabolism of neonicotinoid insecticides was recorded. We further silencedCYP6G6 in vivo, via RNAi, which led to a small, but significant increase in deltamethrin toxicity. The study provides valuable information towards the development of molecular diagnostics and evidence-based insecticide resistance management strategies.

In November 2019, a severe outbreak of fruit rot was observed in olive orchards in Crete, southern Greece. Symptoms appeared primarily on fruits and stalks, resembling those caused by anthracnose. Typical symptoms were fruit rot, shrinkage, and mummification, associated commonly with stalk discoloration and fruit drop. Disease incidence was estimated at up to 100% in some cases, and an unprecedented increase in olive oil acidity reaching up to 8% (percentage of oleic acid) in severely affected olive groves was recorded. Thirty-two olive groves were then surveyed, and samples of fruit, stalk, leaf, and shoot were collected. Visual, stereoscopic, and microscopic observations revealed several fungi belonging to the genera Alternaria, Botryosphaeria, Capnodium, Colletotrichum, Fusarium, and Pseudocercospora. Fungal infection in fruits was commonly associated with concomitant infestation by the olive fruit fly Bactrocera oleae along with increased air temperature and relative humidity conditions that prevailed in October and November 2019. Twenty representative fungal strains isolated from symptomatic fruits and stalks were characterized by morphological, physiological, and molecular analyses. By internal transcribed spacer regions of ribosomal DNA region and translation elongation factor 1-α gene sequencing analysis, these isolates were identified as Alternaria spp., A. infectoria, Botryosphaeria dothidea, Colletotrichum boninense sensu lato, Fusarium lateritium, F. solani species complex and Stemphylium amaranthi. Pathogenicity tests on punctured fruits revealed that all isolates were pathogenic; however, F. solani isolates along with B. dothidea were the most virulent, and wounds were necessary for efficient fungal infection. Moreover, as few as 10 spores of F. solani were sufficient to cause significant infection in punctured fruits. F. solani was also capable of infecting olive fruits in the presence of B. oleae, with no additional wounding, in artificial inoculation experiments. Moreover, it was capable of colonizing and affecting olive blossoms. Further analyses of olive oil extracted from fruits artificially inoculated with F. solani indicated a significant increase in oil acidity, K232, K270, and peroxide value, whereas total phenol content was significantly decreased. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of F. solani associated with olive fruit rot and olive oil degradation worldwide.

The South American tomato pinworm, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), has invaded most Afro-Eurasian countries and is threatening worldwide tomato production. Various strategies have been developed and implemented to manage this pest. Here, we present a timely review on the up-to-date development and practical implementation of integrated pest management (IPM) programs for tomato crops across different world regions infested by T. absoluta. While insecticide resistance is a growing concern, biological control via releasing or conserving arthropod natural enemies and sex pheromone-based biotechnical control are the most successful management practices. Agronomic control-related research is an emerging area where the soil fertilization and/or irrigation, as well as breeding of resistant cultivars, has the potential to enhance IPM effectiveness. Grower survey responses in the native areas (i.e., South America), early-invaded areas (i.e., first report between 2006 and 2012) and newly invaded areas (i.e., first report after 2012) showed that the control programs evolved along with the areas and time since invasion. Growers in the early-invaded areas shifted more rapidly from chemical control to biological control compared to those from the native area. In all concerned regions, the pest control failure risk following chemical insecticide applications and the high cost associated with either biological or biotechnical control methods have been the greatest concerns for growers. The information gathered from the native and/or early-invaded areas may help achieve a more effective management in newly invaded areas. Lastly, researchers are expected to break the bottlenecks of some key issues that would enable lowering application cost of novel biorational alternative management options.

The tomato borer Tuta absoluta is a major pest of tomato mainly controlled by chemical insecticides. However, development of resistance to specific chemical classes has made control of the pest extremely difficult. Emamectin benzoate belongs to the avermectin mode of action and to date, low or no resistance levels against this insecticide have been documented. Recently, reduced efficacy of emamectin benzoate was documented, in a field population from Crete (ninefold resistant ratio (RR)). Subsequent laboratory selections with emamectin benzoate for eight sequential generations resulted in an increase of the RR to 60-fold, the highest resistance level reported to the particular insecticide. Hereby, we are presenting the characterization of emamectin benzoate resistance in T. absoluta. Sequencing of the GluCl and GABA receptor (rdl) genes, the molecular targets of emamectin benzoate indicted absence of non-synonymous SNPs. The use of known enzyme inhibitors (PBO, DEF and DEM) revealed that P450s partially synergized emamectin benzoate resistance, suggesting potential implication of metabolic resistance. RNAseq approach was used to identify differentially expressed genes, from emamectin benzoate resistant and susceptible T. absoluta populations. Twelve libraries were sequenced using the Illumina platform, which generated 81 Gbp, thus substantially increasing the number of publicly available genomic resources for this species. The de novo transcriptome assembly consisted of 549,601 contigs, grouped in 233,453 unigenes. Differential expression analysis and qPCR validation revealed over-expression of one unigene similar to cytochrome P450 (Clan 4) potentially implicated in emamectin benzoate resistance, supporting further the involvement of P450s in the observed resistance phenotype.

Myzus persicae has evolved resistance to various insecticides in Greece. Here we examine the effectiveness of the insecticide flupyradifurone against aphid clones collected from tobacco and peach in Greece during 2017-2020. Furthermore, we monitored the frequency of the neonicotinoid resistance mutation R81T in the sampled clones, and the association between the responses to flupyradifurone and acetamiprid.Of 43 clones tested with flupyradifurone, 6.977%, 60.465% and 32.558% showed low (10-14), moderate (19-89) and high (104-1914) resistance factor (RF) values, respectively. Resistance was higher in clones from peach than from tobacco with 42.308% and 17.647% of clones (respectively) failing into the high RF category (median RF values 67.5 and 36.4 for clones from peach and tobacco, respectively). Acetamiprid resistance was detected in clones collected in 2019-2020, in line with our previous study in Greece. The analysis of the whole dataset (54 clones collected during 2017-2020) revealed that all tobacco clones had RF 7.5, whereas 55.263%, 18.421% and 26.316% of the peach clones exhibited low (12), moderate (20-48) and high (100-145) RF values, respectively. A significant but moderate association between flupyradifurone and acetamiprid responses was detected (r = 0.513, P 0.001). The R81T mutation was detected in aphids from peach (5.6% and 32.6% as homozygotes and heterozygotes, respectively) and in one aphid specimen (heterozygote) from tobacco. R81T was partially associated with the resistance to both insecticides, but many highly resistant clones did not possess the mutation, indicating the possible operation of one or more alternative underlying resistance mechanisms.The use of flupyradifurone and acetamiprid in IPM/IRM should be based on further ongoing susceptibility monitoring. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

The sweet potato (cotton) whitefly Bemisia tabaci is a major agricultural pest in various fields and vegetable crops worldwide. It causes extensive damage by direct feeding on plants, reducing quality, secreting honeydew and transmitting plant viruses. B. tabaci is known for its genetic diversity and considered a complex of biotypes or, as suggested, a complex of distinct cryptic species. Management of whiteflies relies mainly on the use of insecticides; however, its ability to develop resistance to major insecticide classes creates a serious challenge to farmers and pest control specialists. Among the cryptic species of B. tabaci, MED is considered more resistant than the MEAM1 to insecticides such as pyriproxyfen and neonicotinoids; however, in recent years there are other species of B. tabaci including MEAM1, Asia I and Asia II-1 that have developed high resistance to various groups of insecticides. Advanced methods based on molecular and gene sequence data obtained from resistant and susceptible field-collected B. tabaci populations resulted in a better understanding of resistance mechanisms in this pest. Several components of IPM-IRM (Integrated Pest Management-Insecticide Resistance Management) programs such as selective and biorational insecticides, insecticide rotation with different modes of action and nonchemical control methods are among the countermeasures of insecticide resistance management for this pest. In the current review, we concentrate on insecticide resistance and resistance management of B. tabaci, focusing on reports published mainly over the past 10 years.

The tomato borer Tuta absoluta is a major pest of tomato mainly controlled by chemical insecticides. However, development of resistance to specific chemical classes has made control of the pest extremely difficult. Emamectin benzoate belongs to the avermectin mode of action and to date, low or no resistance levels against this insecticide have been documented. Recently, reduced efficacy of emamectin benzoate was documented, in a field population from Crete (9-fold resistant ratio (RR)). Subsequent laboratory selections with emamectin benzoate for eight sequential generations, resulted in an increase of the RR to 60-fold, the highest resistance level reported to the particular insecticide. Hereby, we are presenting the characterization of emamectin benzoate resistance in T. absoluta. Sequencing of the GluCl and GABA receptor (rdl) genes, the molecular targets of emamectin benzoate, indicted absence of non-synonymous SNPs. The use of known enzyme inhibitors (PBO, DEF and DEM) revealed that P450s partially synergized emamectin benzoate resistance, suggesting potential implication of metabolic resistance. RNA-seq approach was used to identify differentially expressed genes, from emamectin benzoate resistant and susceptible T. absoluta populations. Twelve libraries were sequenced using the Illumina platform, which generated 81 Gbp, thus substantially increasing the number of publicly available genomic resources for this species. The de novo transcriptome assembly consisted of 549,601 contigs, grouped in 233,453 unigenes. Differential expression analysis and qPCR validation revealed over-expression of one unigene similar to cytochrome P450 (Clan 4) potentially implicated in emamectin benzoate resistance, supporting further the involvement of P450s in the observed resistance phenotype.

Simple Summary Hylotelephium spectabile (Saxifragales, Crassulaceae), a widespread ornamental plant was found infested by larvae of Cacoecimorpha pronubana (Lepidoptera, Tortricidae) a highly polyphagous pest of a wide range of crop, as well as ornamental plants. To the best of our knowledge, this finding suggests that H. spectabile should be considered a new host plant for C. pronubana. Moreover, molecular characterization of the Greek pest population place it along with European species clade. Abstract Cacoecimorpha pronubana (Hübner) (Lepidoptera, Tortricidae) is a highly polyphagous pest of a wide range of crop and ornamental plants. It is of Mediterranean origin and widespread in European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization (EPPO) region. For the first time, infestations of Hylotelephium spectabile (Boreau) Ohba (syn.: Sedum spectabile Boreau) (Saxifragales, Crassulaceae) ornamental plants by C. pronubana larvae, in private gardens in urban area of Drama, Greece, were found. Species identification was conducted based on morphology of female genitalia. In addition, due to reports on occurrence of cryptic C. pronubana species within Europe, DNA barcoding was carried out to determine the molecular status of the pest. This communication reports a new host of C. pronubana and places the Greek pest population along with European species clade.

BACKGROUND Tuta absoluta is a devastating pest in tomato production areas worldwide. After its first introduction to Turkey in 2009, it quickly became the major pest of tomato-growing areas. Although some biocontrol agents have been used, especially in greenhouses, the main control of T. absoluta relies heavily on chemical insecticides. However, failure in chemical control has often been reported due to resistance development. In this study, we investigated (i) the population structure of 22 T. absoluta populations across Turkey by analysing haplotypes, based on the cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene; (ii) the efficacy of three registered insecticides from different classes (metaflumizone, chlorantraniliprole and spinosad) in real field-greenhouse conditions; and (iii) the geographic distribution of target-site mutations associated with insecticide resistance. RESULTS The efficacy of spinosad was higher than that of chlorantraniliprole and metaflumizone in the greenhouse trials, as documented by the mortality rates obtained, up to 14 days post application. Known resistance mutations in ryanodine receptors (RyR) (i.e. the I4790M/K and G4946E), nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (G275E), acetylcholinesterases (A201S) and voltage-gated sodium channels (F1845Y and V1848I) were found at various frequencies across the populations genotyped. The I4790K diamide resistance mutation in the RyR has been reported for the first time in T. absoluta populations. Although a total of eight haplotypes were found, the overall mean genetic distance was lower than 0.001, indicating the high genetic homogeneity among Turkish T. absoluta populations. CONCLUSION The results will contribute to design area-wide resistance management programs in T. absoluta control in Turkey. However, more monitoring studies are needed to implement evidence-based insecticide resistance management strategies in the frame of integrated pest management. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Pesticides are widely used to protect agricultural products from pests and diseases. Although a strict regulatory framework exists in the EU, concerns about pesticide residues in food are retained among consumers. This study represents the first large sample (N = 1846) attempt to identify the main predictors influencing Greek consumers’ attitude concerning the benefits—risks ratio of pesticide use. After a principal components analysis and a bivariate logistic regression were performed, it was found that Greek consumers express high concerns from pesticide residues in food regarding their loved ones and their own health. At the same time, however, they recognize to a significant extent beneficial contributions of the use of pesticides to food security and the national economy, as well. Several significant predictors of consumer’s attitude towards benefit—risks perception of pesticide use was identified, concerning personal values, pesticide user status, gender, confidence in controlling and certification procedures, and received information. Our results suggest that efforts for risk communication are needed to address food safety issues targeting the general public.

The major problem of olive fruit protection in the Mediterranean basin is the control of the olive fruit fly Bactrocera oleae. The aim of this study was to investigate the status of resistance against insecticides which are registered and used against this major olive pest in Greece. During a 9-year survey, 55 B. oleae populations were collected. Insecticide application records showed extensive use of pyrethroids (alpha-cypermethrin) and to a lesser extent macrocyclic lactones (spinosad) and organophosphates (dimethoate). Low-to-moderate resistance levels were identified in the majority of populations for alpha-cypermethrin until 2012. After 2013, however, a dramatic increase of alpha-cypermethrin resistance was observed, especially in populations from Crete, Greece. The phenotype has an obvious impact on control efficacy. In real-field-cage trials, the mortality of the pyrethroid resistant field population from Crete was dramatically lower compared to the mortality of a respective field population from Samos with low-resistance level. Low-resistance levels were observed for spinosad in most of the populations tested. The frequency of the organophosphate resistance mutations G488S and I214V remained very high across most populations in Greece, despite the reduction in the application of these insecticides in the last decade. In contrast, the frequency of the mutation Δ3Q was very low. In conclusion, field evolved and practical resistance against alpha-cypermethrin seems to be emerging in B. oleae populations from Greece. It needs to be monitored and further characterised for the application of evidence-based control strategies.

Α reduction of pyrethroid efficacy has been recently recorded in Bactrocera oleae, the most destructive insect of olives. The resistance levels of field populations collected from Crete-Greece scaled up to 22-folds, compared to reference laboratory strains. Sequence analysis of the IIS4-IIS6 region of para sodium channel gene in a large number of resistant flies indicated that resistance may not be associated with target site mutations, in line with previous studies in other Tephritidae species. We analyzed the transcriptomic differences between two resistant populations versus an almost susceptible field population and two laboratory strains. A large number of genes was found to be significantly differentially transcribed across the pairwise comparisons. Interestingly, gene set analysis revealed that genes of the 'electron carrier activity' GO group were enriched in one specific comparison, which might suggest a P450-mediated resistance mechanism. The up-regulation of several transcripts encoding detoxification enzymes was qPCR validated, focusing on transcripts coding for P450s. Of note, the expression of contig00436 and contig02103, encoding CYP6 P450s, was significantly higher in all resistant populations, compared to susceptible ones. These results suggest that an increase in the amount of the CYP6 P450s might be an important mechanism of pyrethroid resistance in B. oleae.

Tuta absoluta is an invasive destructive pest that is currently posing a major threat for tomato production worldwide. Insecticides are a key component of typical pest management schemes. Resistance to diamides, the most recently introduced class of insecticides, was recently reported in Italy. Monitoring of insecticide efficacy is the basic tool for proactive evidence-based resistance management. Here, we report the findings of a 4-year survey performed at the Euro-Asian region. A total of 35 populations were collected between 2012 and 2016 from Greece, Italy, Spain, Israel and UK. The response of these populations was evaluated through laboratory bioassays with the main insecticides used for T. absoluta control: chlorantraniliprole, indoxacarb, emamectin benzoate and spinosad. Analysis of the results indicated six cases of low/moderate resistance to the emamectin benzoate (resistance ratio (RR) > 15-fold), a single case of resistance to spinosad (RR: 33-fold) and five cases of resistance to indoxacarb (RR: 13- to 91-fold). Likelihood of control failure was detected for indoxacarb, but reports of poor field performance were absent. Resistance to chlorantraniliprole, after 2015, was widespread in Italy and Greece with high RR (>64-fold) and significant likelihood of control failure in most cases. Chlorantraniliprole resistance was also detected in Israel (RR: 22,573-fold) but not in Spain and UK (RR

BACKGROUND The cotton whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) is among the most important pests of numerous crops and a vector of more than 100 plant viruses, causing significant crop losses worldwide. Managing this pest as well as inhibiting the transmission of major viruses such as tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) are of utmost importance for sustainable yields. The efficacy against both whitefly and virus transmission of the novel systemic butenolide insecticide flupyradifurone was investigated in this study. RESULTS The inhibition of TYLCV transmission by flupyradifurone was compared to that by thiamethoxam, a neonicotinoid insecticide reported to inhibit virus transmission. The experiment was performed under high virus pressure conditions (10 viruliferous insects per plant for 48 h) using a fully characterized field strain of B. tabaci. The insecticides were foliarly applied at recommended label rates under greenhouse conditions. Flupyradifurone suppressed virus transmission by 85% while levels of suppression after thiamethoxam treatments were just 25% and significantly lower. In untreated control plots, 100% of plants were infected by TYLCV. The observed difference in the potential to suppress virus transmission is linked to a strong knockdown effect as well as prolonged feeding inhibition in flupyradifurone treatments. CONCLUSION Flupyradifurone is shown to be an extremely useful, fast-acting, new chemical tool in integrated crop management offering simultaneous control of whiteflies and strong suppression of viral infections via its rapid knockdown action and good residual activity. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry

BACKGROUND Indoxacarb is an important active ingredient extensively used for the control of Tuta absoluta, a major tomato pest, playing a particular role in insecticide resistance management schemes. RESULTS Reduced susceptibility to indoxacarb was identified (1794-fold resistance) through toxicological bioassays in a field population from Greece and evolved rapidly to resistance after short laboratory selection. Combined bioassays with synergists and biochemical analysis suggested only a partial involvement of detoxification enzymes in the resistant phenotype. To investigate the role of target-site resistance, segment 6 of domain IV of the sodium channel in T. absoluta was cloned and the sequences compared between susceptible and indoxacarb-resistant T. absoluta insects. The presence of the F1845Y and the V1848I indoxacarb resistance mutations was detected and was strongly associated with the phenotype. These amino acid substitutions correspond to recently characterised indoxacarb resistance mutations in diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella). Robust and accurate PCR-RFLP assays were subsequently developed and successfully validated for detecting both indoxacarb resistance mutations in field T. absoluta populations. CONCLUSION The identification of indoxacarb resistance mutations and the development of diagnostic tools will allow early detection of indoxacarb resistance, facilitating implementation of appropriate resistance management strategies, thus delaying the spread of resistance. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry

The South American tomato pinworm, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), is an invasive pest difficult to control. Insecticide application is quite common and remains the prevalent control method particularly in open-field cultivation systems. As a result, insecticide resistance to many chemical classes of insecticides has been described both in South America and in Europe. The development of insecticide resistance is relatively fast in this species, and the main mechanisms involved are altered target-site sensitivity and/or enhanced detoxification, depending on the chemical class. However, insecticide resistance mechanisms do not differ between South America and Europe and are mainly due to simple genotype variations leading to high levels of resistance. The presence of resistance alleles at low frequency, especially against newer chemistry, is of major concern, as they tend to spread with the invasions making tomato pinworm particularly difficult to control. The monitoring methods and management programmes developed for the species benefited from the pro-activity of the Insecticide Resistance Action Committee and its country groups, particularly in Brazil and Spain. Bioassay methods were developed, resistance monitoring activities initiated and resistance management guidance was provided. The implementation of integrated control programmes and appropriate resistance management strategies as part of such programs is of utmost importance to keep tomato pinworm infestations under economic damage thresholds, thus guaranteeing sustainable yields.

BACKGROUND The tomato leafminer, Tuta absoluta, is an economically important pest of tomatoes in Europe, Africa, Asia and South America. In the UK this species is controlled using an integrated pest management (IPM) programme which incorporates the insecticides spinosad and chlorantraniliprole. In response to UK grower concerns of loss of efficacy of these compounds at certain sites, insecticide bioassays were performed on five populations collected from four commercial glasshouses and potential mechanisms of resistance investigated. RESULTS We observed high levels of resistance to spinosad in four of the strains, and in two of these tolerance to chlorantraniliprole. Selection of one of these strains with chlorantraniliprole rapidly resulted in a line exhibiting potent resistance to this compound. Sequencing of messenger RNA encoding the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) alpha 6 subunit, target of spinosad, revealed Ta alpha 6 transcripts in the spinosad-resistant strains that lack exon 4 and encode a highly truncated protein, or contain a triplet deletion in the predicted first transmembrane domain resulting in the loss of a highly conserved amino acid. Sequencing of the ryanodine receptor gene, encoding the target of diamide insecticides, of the chlorantraniliprole-selected line revealed an amino acid substitution (G4903V) that has been previously linked to diamide resistance in populations of T. absoluta in the Mediterranean and South America. CONCLUSION Taken together our results reveal emerging resistance in UK populations of T. absoluta to two of the most important insecticides used as part of IPM, with significant implications for the control of this species in the UK. (c) 2019 Society of Chemical Industry This work was funded by PhD studentship awards from the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) (CP 162) and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) (grant number: 1096240). ER was supported by funding from the European Union's Seventh Framework Programme for research, technological development and demonstration under the STomP project, grant agreement no. 219262 (ARIMNet).

This is the first report of Bactra bactrana (Kennel, 1901) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) attacking a major solanaceous crop, sweet pepper Capsicum annuum L. The infestation was detected in two greenhouses at the area of Tympaki (Southern Crete, Greece). The moth larvae caused typical symptoms of a fruit borer with numerous small holes on the surface of the peppers and extensive damage on the inside of the fruit as a result of the feeding activity. Unknown factors facilitated this major shift in host range since B. bactrana is typically a stem borer of sedges. In addition, the pest status of B. bactrana is currently under question, as in both cases the infestations by the moth were associated with significant yield losses. B. bactrana was moderately controlled with chemicals registered for Lepidoptera management in sweet pepper due to the boring nature of the infestation. Some comparative taxonomic notes are provided to facilitate accurate pest discrimination of related Bactra species. Finally, biological attributes of the species are summarized and are discussed from pest control and ecological perspectives. Because Bactra species have been used in augmentative releases for the control of sage, the implications of our findings on the release of biocontrol agents are placed in perspective.

The tomato borer Tuta absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) is an invasive pest of tomato crops that is rapidly expanding around the world. It is considered a devastating pest and its control heavily relies on application of insecticides. Diamides are a novel class of insecticides acting on insect ryanodine receptors and are highly effective against lepidopteran pests. To date, chlorantraniliprole and flubendiamide have been registered in the market and they have been extensively used to manage T. absoluta. In this study, a survey was conducted in Greece and Italy monitoring diamide resistance. The populations originating from Sicily (Italy) exhibited LC50s that ranged between 47.6–435 for chlorantraniliprole and 993–1.376 for flubendiamide, while for Crete (Greece) LC50s ranged between 0.14–2.45 for chlorantraniliprole and 1.7–8.4 for flubendiamide (LC50s in mg L−1). Comparing this result to the susceptible reference strain, high resistance levels for the Italian populations were detected, i.e., up to 2,414- and 1,742-fold for chlorantraniliprole and flubendiamide, respectively. Resistance ratios for Greek populations were found up to 14-fold for chlorantraniliprole and 11-fold for flubendiamide, suggesting that diamide resistance is low but increasing considering monitoring data over time. Hereby, we report for the first time, cases of resistance development to diamide insecticides in T. absoluta. These findings underline the importance of committing to the resistance management strategies for diamide insecticides.

The cotton whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) is among the most important pests of numerous crops and a vector of more than 100 plant viruses, causing significant crop losses worldwide. Managing this pest as well as inhibiting the transmission of major viruses such as tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) are of utmost importance for sustainable yields. The efficacy against both whitefly and virus transmission of the novel systemic butenolide insecticide flupyradifurone was investigated in this study.The inhibition of TYLCV transmission by flupyradifurone was compared to that by thiamethoxam, a neonicotinoid insecticide reported to inhibit virus transmission. The experiment was performed under high virus pressure conditions (10 viruliferous insects per plant for 48 h) using a fully characterized field strain of B. tabaci. The insecticides were foliarly applied at recommended label rates under greenhouse conditions. Flupyradifurone suppressed virus transmission by 85% while levels of suppression after thiamethoxam treatments were just 25% and significantly lower. In untreated control plots, 100% of plants were infected by TYLCV. The observed difference in the potential to suppress virus transmission is linked to a strong knockdown effect as well as prolonged feeding inhibition in flupyradifurone treatments.Flupyradifurone is shown to be an extremely useful, fast-acting, new chemical tool in integrated crop management offering simultaneous control of whiteflies and strong suppression of viral infections via its rapid knockdown action and good residual activity. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Τον Αύγουστο του 2016, καταγράφηκαν σοβαρές προσβολές σε καλλιέργειες σουσαμιού από το έντομο Antigastra catalaunalis (Duponchel) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) σε αγροτικές περιοχές της Περιφερειακής Ενότητας Δράμας. Το A. catalaunalis είναι ένας σημαντικός εχθρός της καλλιέργειας του σουσαμιού σε περιοχές όπου αυτό καλλιεργείται. Παρατηρήθηκαν συμπτώματα προσβολής από τις προνύμφες του εντόμου σε φύλλα, βλαστούς και κάψες. Οι προσβολές καταγράφηκαν σε όλους τους αγρούς με καλλιέργεια σουσαμιού που επιθεωρήθηκαν, με επίπεδα προσβολής υψηλά τα οποία προκάλεσαν οικονομική απώλεια. Στο βαθμό που γνωρίζουμε, αυτή είναι η πρώτη αναφορά σοβαρών προσβολών σουσαμιού από το Α. catalaunalis στην Ελλάδα., In August 2016, severe infestations of sesame crops by the sesame leaf webber and capsule borer, Antigastra catalaunalis (Duponchel) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), were recorded in rural areas of the Regional Unit of Drama, Northern Greece. Larval feeding-damage symptoms were observed on leaves and capsules. Infestations were recorded in all of the inspected sesame fields. The infestation levels were considerable high resulting in significant economic loss. To our knowledge, this is the first report of A. catalaunalis severe infestation on sesame in Greece.

BACKGROUND Flonicamid is a novel systemic insecticide that acts as a feeding blocker with potential use against whiteflies within IPM control tactics. Flonicamid efficacy against Bemisia tabaci Mediterranean populations from Crete was examined, as well as side effects on selected beneficials used extensively in current IPM schemes. RESULTS Low variability in adulticide activity was detected (

Tetranychus urticae (two-spotted spider mite) and Bemisia tabaci (sweet potato whitefly), two of the most important agricultural pests worldwide, have developed resistance to almost all chemical classes of insecticides. Here we investigated the efficacy of the ketoenols spirodiclofen and spiromesifen against, respectively, T. urticae and B. tabaci populations from Greece with variable levels of resistance to other pesticides in order to evaluate their potential role in insecticide resistance management strategies for sustainable control of both pests. No resistance of T. urticae populations against spirodiclofen was observed. Nine out of ten T. urticae populations exhibited moderate levels of resistance to pirimiphos-methyl (up to 23-fold), pyridaben (up to 39-fold) and fenazaquin (up to 42-fold). Two of them exhibited high resistance ratios (RR) to bifenthrin (RR = 81, 351) and one to fenbutatin oxide (RR = 146). Moreover these nine populations were not cross resistant to spirodiclofen (RR B. tabaci the variation in response to spiromesifen treatments was very low among the eleven field populations. Most of them exhibited high levels of resistance to imidacloprid, and alpha -cypermethrin. The LC 50 of spiromesifen ranged from 4.5 to 14 mg/l and the corresponding LC 95 values were in general well below the recommended field doses. Ketoenol resistance risk potential was also investigated by applying constant selection pressure under laboratory conditions against populations from both species, but no increase in LC 50 s was detected. Ketoenols can be used for resistance management purposes for both pests in Greece as an effective chemical tool in rotation with other pesticides.

Indoxacarb is an important active ingredient extensively used for the control of Tuta absoluta, a major tomato pest, playing a particular role in insecticide resistance management schemes.Reduced susceptibility to indoxacarb was identified (1794-fold resistance) through toxicological bioassays in a field population from Greece and evolved rapidly to resistance after short laboratory selection. Combined bioassays with synergists and biochemical analysis suggested only a partial involvement of detoxification enzymes in the resistant phenotype. To investigate the role of target-site resistance, segment 6 of domain IV of the sodium channel in T. absoluta was cloned and the sequences compared between susceptible and indoxacarb-resistant T. absoluta insects. The presence of the F1845Y and the V1848I indoxacarb resistance mutations was detected and was strongly associated with the phenotype. These amino acid substitutions correspond to recently characterised indoxacarb resistance mutations in diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella). Robust and accurate PCR-RFLP assays were subsequently developed and successfully validated for detecting both indoxacarb resistance mutations in field T. absoluta populations.The identification of indoxacarb resistance mutations and the development of diagnostic tools will allow early detection of indoxacarb resistance, facilitating implementation of appropriate resistance management strategies, thus delaying the spread of resistance. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

Insect ryanodine receptors (RyR) are the molecular target-site for the recently introduced diamide insecticides. Diamides are particularly active on Lepidoptera pests, including tomato leafminer, Tuta absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae). High levels of diamide resistance were recently described in some European populations of T. absoluta, however, the mechanisms of resistance remained unknown. In this study the molecular basis of diamide resistance was investigated in a diamide resistant strain from Italy (IT-GELA-SD4), and additional resistant field populations collected in Greece, Spain and Brazil. The genetics of resistance was investigated by reciprocally crossing strain IT-GELA-SD4 with a susceptible strain and revealed an autosomal incompletely recessive mode of inheritance. To investigate the possible role of target-site mutations as known from diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella), we sequenced respective domains of the RyR gene of T. absoluta. Genotyping of individuals of IT-GELA-SD4 and field-collected strains showing different levels of diamide resistance revealed the presence of G4903E and I4746M RyR target-site mutations. These amino acid substitutions correspond to those recently described for diamide resistant diamondback moth, i.e. G4946E and I4790M. We also detected two novel mutations, G4903V and I4746T, in some of the resistant T. absoluta strains. Radioligand binding studies with thoracic membrane preparations of the IT-GELA-SD4 strain provided functional evidence that these mutations alter the affinity of the RyR to diamides. In combination with previous work on P. xylostella our study highlights the importance of position G4903 (G4946 in P. xylostella) of the insect RyR in defining sensitivity to diamides. The discovery of diamide resistance mutations in T. absoluta populations of diverse geographic origin has serious implications for the efficacy of diamides under applied conditions. The implementation of appropriate resistance management strategies is strongly advised to delay the further spread of resistance.

Background Tuta absoluta (Meyrick), in only a few years, has become a serious threat to global tomato production. Depending on the cropping system and infestation pressure, T. absoluta control may rely heavily on insecticide applications. By means of a validated IRAC bioassay method, the toxicity of all insecticides registered for T. absoluta control in Greece has been estimated. A non-registered pyrethroid insecticide was also included in this study. Results Low heterogeneity was detected in the populations tested with most insecticides. The LC50 ranged from 0.31 to 1.31 mg L−1 for flubendiamide, from 0.12 to 0.53 mg L−1 for chlorantraniliprole, from 0.03 to 0.12 mg L−1 for emamectin benzoate, from 0.08 to 0.26 mg L−1 for spinosad, from 31.8 to 159.5 mg L−1 for metaflumizone, from 1.73 to 17.5 mg L−1 for indoxacarb, from 530 to 2038 mg L−1 for chlorpyriphos and finally from 475 to 794 mg L−1 for cypermethrin. The variability of the LC50 values among the tested populations was low (RR under 5×), except for indoxacarb (RR = 10×). In the absence of a reference strain, comparisons with the recommended label rates were performed. Evidence of potential control failures was detected using probit analysis estimates for cypermethrin, chlorpyriphos and metaflumizone. Conclusions For most registered insecticides, a solid set of baseline data has been presented that can be used in future resistance monitoring studies. The interaction of metaflumizone with T. absoluta has been discussed, and for chlorpyriphos it is suspected that the resistance level is underestimated with the present dataset. Finally, it has been demonstrated that the pyrethroid cypermethrin would provide insufficient control of the pest.© 2012 Society of Chemical Industry

BACKGROUND: Tuta absoluta(Meyrick) is one of the most serious pests of tomato recently introduced in the Mediterranean region. A novel bioassay method designed for the accurate determination of insecticide toxicity on T. absoluta (IRAC method No. 022) was validated by three different laboratories [Greece (NAGREF), Italy (UC) and Spain (UPCT)] on European populations. RESULTS: The insecticides indoxacarb and chlorantraniliprole were used as reference products. The IRAC leaf dip method is easy to perform, producing repeatable, homogeneous responses. LC50 values for indoxacarb ranged between 1.8 and 17.9 mg L−1 (NAGREF), 0.93 and 10.8 mg L−1 (UC) and 0.20 and 0.70 mg L−1 (UPCT), resulting in a tenfold, 12-fold and fourfold difference between the least and most susceptible populations at each laboratory respectively. For chlorantraniliprole, LC50 values ranged between 0.10 and 0.56 mg L−1 (NAGREF), 0.23 and 1.34 mg L−1 (UC) and 0.04 and 0.24 mg L−1 (UPCT), resulting in a sixfold difference in all three cases. Overall, UPCT reported lower mean LC50 to indoxacarb, while UC reported higher LC50 to chlorantraniliprole. CONCLUSIONS: The new bioassay is reliable, providing a useful tool in the design of IRM strategies. Within each country/lab, the variability observed in the results for both indoxacarb and chlorantraniliprole can be attributed to natural variation. Future research is necessary to determine the extent to which it is possible to compare results among laboratories. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry

The olive is one of the most important crops in Greece as in many Mediterranean countries. Several insects are considered serious pests of the olive crop. In this study, we report two new pests for olive trees in Greece and possibly in the Mediterranean region: the quince moth Euzophera bigella (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) and the olive leaf gall midge Dasineura oleae (F. Low) (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae). Although E. bigella is not considered a pest of olive trees, in the summer of 2011, the quince moth was recorded for the first time infesting olive trees in several orchards in the rural area of the Municipality of Amphipolis (Region of Central Macedonia). Infestation induced cracking and swelling symptoms on the bark of limbs and the periderm of trunks, accompanied by extensive internal bark necrosis, which caused the desiccation of limbs or even the death of whole trees. D. oleae has been reported infesting olive trees in Greece; however, it was not considered a pest of the crop. In February 2010, extensive infestations by D. oleae were detected in the coastal zone of Elounda, Lassithi (Region of Crete). Infestations were observed on the leaves causing elongate galls and deformations, while in highly infested trees defoliation was reported. Because of the scarceness of these infestations, the results reported in this study are discussed in relation to cases reported from other countries and/or on other crops. In addition, a review of the distribution, biology and control methods of these species is provided in an attempt to summarize the scattered information currently available.

A comprehensive study on the Bemisia tabaci (biotype B) resistance to neon- icotinoid insecticides imidacloprid, acetamiprid and thiamethoxam, and pyrethroid bifen- thrin was conducted in Cyprus. The resistance level to eight field-collected B. tabaci populations was investigated. The activities of enzymes involved in metabolic detoxifica- tionandthefrequenciesofpyrethroidandorganophosphatestargetsiteresistancemutations were determined. Moderate to high levels of resistance were detected for imidacloprid (re- sistance factor (RF) 77-392) and thiamethoxam (RF 50-164) while low resistance levels were observed for acetamiprid (RF 7-12). Uniform responses by the Cypriot whiteflies could be observed against all neonicotinoid insecticides. No cross-resistance between the neonicotinoids was detected as well as no association with the activity of the P450 mi- crosomal oxidases. Only imidacloprid resistance correlated with carboxylesterase activity. Low to extremely high resistance was observed for insecticide bifenthrin (RF 49-1243) which was associated with the frequency of the resistant allele in the sodium channel gene but not with the activity of the detoxification enzymes. Finally, the F331W mutation in the acetylcholinesterase enzyme ace1 gene was fixed in allB. tabacipopulations from Cyprus.

The tomato leafminer, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick), was recorded in Crete (Greece) for the first time inJune 2009. The species was subsequently identified in various geographically distant regions inCrete, Peloponnesus and Western Greece. Damage has been reported in tomato and aubergine green-house crops as well as in open field tomato crops. In two cases, infestations of the indigenous lepi-dopteran species Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller) erroneously alarmed farmers and localagronomists, as symptoms caused by the two species on tomato leaves and fruits are identical macro-scopically. In collaboration with the Ministry of Rural Development and Food an official survey isunder way to accurately define the extent of the T. absoluta distribution in the country, while con-structing the basis for integrated management of the pest.The tomato leafminer, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera:Gelechiidae) is a major pest of tomato, Lycopersicon esculentum ,as well as other solanaceous crops (OEPP ⁄EPPO, 2005). Afterhatching, young larvae produce large galleries in leaves, burrowinto stalks, apical buds, and green and ripe fruits, causing consid-erable damage and yield loses (Moore, 1983; Oliveira et al.,2009; Silva et al., 1998). Tuta absoluta was added in 2004 to theEPPO A1 List of pests recommended for regulation (pests absentfrom the EPPO region) and transferred in 2009 to the A2 List(pests locally present in the EPPO region) because of its currentspread in the EPPO region. So far, T. absoluta is not regulated asa quarantine pest by the EU. Originating from South America,the pest rapidly invaded man y EPPO countries. It was firstrecordedinSpainin2007(EPPOReportingService2008⁄001).Tuta absoluta has been reported in the following European coun-tries: France (EPPO RS 2009 ⁄003), Italy (EPPO RS 2009 ⁄023),Malta (EPPO RS 2009 ⁄188), Netherlands (EPPO RS 2009 ⁄024)and the United Kingdom, (EPPO RS 2009 ⁄152). Tuta absolutahas also been reported in North African countries Algeria, Mor-occo and Tunisia (EPPO RS 2008 ⁄135, EPPO RS 2008 ⁄174,EPPO RS 2009 ⁄042). Unconfirmed pest reports based mainly onpersonal communications indicate the possible presence of T. ab-soluta in Kuwait, Libya and Switzerland (http://www.tutaabsolu-ta.com/).Tuta absoluta was reported for the first time to the HellenicMinistry of Rural Development and Food in June 2009. It wascollected from infested greenhouse tomatoes in the region ofPlatanos, in Chania prefecture in Crete (Fig. 1). The identificationwas made by the Plant Protection I nstitute of Heraklion, usingmorphological taxonomic characters of both larvae and adult(EPPO Gallery, 2009; Philipott, 19 28; van der Straten, 2009). InFig. 2, different views of the male genitalia of T. absoluta aredisplayed.Currently a national survey is under way to accurately definethe extent of the establishment of T. absoluta in Greece. TheNational Agricultural Research Foundation in collaboration withthe Benaki Phytopathological Institute has investigated eight sus-pect cases of infestation on gre enhouse and open field tomatoand aubergine crops, and six were positively identified asT. absoluta. Cases have been detected in five geographically dis-tant regions of Crete, Peloponnesus and Western Greece asshown in Fig. 1. Two cases have been reported in nearby loca-tions in Crete, at Heraklion Prefecture (Antsiaksri and Pombia).The distribution of T. absoluta over the Greek territory is local-ised and scattered, suggesting multiple, distinct and simultaneousintroductions rather than natural spread resulting from a single

Pyrethroid and organophosphate resistance-associated mutations have been recently reported in the whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius), a major pest of protected and outdoor crops worldwide. Here, we developed simple PCR–agarose gel visualization based assays for reliably monitoring the L925I and T929V pyrethroid resistance mutations in the B. tabaci para -type voltage gated sodium channel and the iAChE F331W organophosphate resistance mutation in the acetylcholinesterase enzyme ace1 . PCR-RFLP assays were developed for detecting the L925I and the F331W resistance mutations. A highly specific PASA was developed for detecting the T929V mutation. The molecular diagnostic tools were used to monitor the frequency of the resistance mutations in a large number of field caught Q biotype B. tabaci from Crete (Greece), where both organophosphates and pyrethroids are extensively used. The F331W mutation was fixed in all field individuals examined. The pyrethroid resistance mutations were detected in high frequencies: 0.38 and 0.54 for L925I and T929V, respectively. The simple diagnostics are accurate and robust, to be used alongside classical bioassays to prevent ineffective insecticide applications, and for early identification of the spreading of resistant Q biotype populations into new regions around the globe.

A severe attack by the Mediterranean fruit fly Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) was recorded for the first time in Central-Northern Crete (Greece) on white variety table grapes (cv. Soultanina) in August 2007. The infestation was detected in hormone (gibberellic acid) treated vineyards only and was successfully controlled using cultural measures and baited application of insecticides. This report is discussed in relation to the possible effects on the table grape export market, based on the fact that C. capitata is under quarantine regulations worldwide.

The reddish ring spot on white variety table grapes c.v. Soultanina is a novel symptom caused by thrips-feeding activity at the touch points. It is an important cosmetic damage observed on ripe grape berries. In this study the damage potential of the three most abundant thrips species (Frankliniella occidentalis, Thrips tabaci and Drepanothrips reuteri) in the vineyards of Crete was investigated in the laboratory. It was demonstrated that these thrips species are potential casual agents of reddish ring spot symptom. F. occidentalis was significantly more injurious, causing more than 90% damage in 8 days, and 100% in 16 days, combined with severe fungal infection. T. tabaci and D. reuteri caused 76.7% and 45.3% damage on grape berries respectively in 16 days. In addition a novel reddish linear symptom on grape berries was associated with D. reuteri infestation. The development of thrips on grape berries was also investigated. The first F. occidentalis larvae was observed 6 days after artificial infestation and the development period (larvae to adult) on ripe grapes was 10 days (25 °C). T. tabaci development on grapes was partially impaired. The first larva was observed 16 days after infestation and the development period was 12 days (25 °C) combined with high larvae mortality. D. reuteri larvae development on grape berries was not observed. However, it is not clear whether this resulted from prohibited oviposition or delayed/impaired egg development.

We investigated the mechanisms of resistance to α-cypermethrin in a Q biotype, highly resistant Bemisia tabaci strain (GRMAL-RP) isolated from Crete. Cytochrome P450-dependent monoxygenase activity with the substrate ethoxycoumarin, and carboxylesterase activity with the substrates α-naphthyl-acetate, β-naphthyl-acetate, and para -nitrophenol acetate were substantially elevated in the GRMAL-RP, compared to the susceptible SUD-S strain, while glutathione- S -transferase activity with the substrate 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene was not different. The metabolic inhibitors piperonyl butoxide and S , S , S -tributyl phosphorotrithioate synergised cypermethrin toxicity in the GRMAL-RP strain, however, mortality was still lower than that of the susceptible strain, indicating the presence of an additional resistance mechanism. Analysis of the sequence of the IIS4–IIS6 region of the para sodium channel gene of the GRMAL-RP strain revealed two amino acid replacements compared to that of the SUD-S susceptible strain. One is the leucine to isoleucine substitution at position 925 (L925I) previously implicated in B. tabaci pyrethroid resistance and the other is a novel kdr resistant mutation for B. tabaci , a threonine to valine substitution at position 929 (T929V). Genotype analysis showed that the L925I and T929V were present in all GRMAL-RP males tested, at an approximately 1:1 frequency, but never in combination in the same haplotype.

The resistance levels to alpha-cypermethrin, bifenthrin, pirimiphos-methyl, endosulfan and imidacloprid were determined in Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) from Crete. Five B tabaci populations collected from greenhouse and outdoor crops were bioassayed and compared with a reference susceptible strain. Bemisia tabaci collected in a floriculture greenhouse exhibited the highest resistance against all insecticides: at LC50, resistance factors were 23-fold for bifenthrin, 80-fold for alpha-cypermethrin, 18-fold for pirimiphos-methyl, 58-fold for endosulfan and 730-fold for imidacloprid. A population collected on outdoor melons was more susceptible than the reference strain against all insecticides tested, suggesting the occurrence of local highly susceptible B tabaci populations in 'refugia'. In pairwise comparisons of resistance levels, correlation was observed between the LC50 values of the pyrethroid insecticides bifenthrin and alpha-cypermethrin.

Τον Ιούνιο 2015, καταγράφηκαν προσβολές καλλιeργeιών ηλιάνθου από το έντομο Heliothis peltigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) σe αγροτικές πeριοχές της Πeριφeρeιακής Eνότητας Δράμας. Παρατηρήθηκαν διαβρώσeις στα φύλλα και στους οφθαλμούς από τις προνύμφeς του eντόμου, κυρίως στα προανθικά στάδια ανάπτυξης. Οι προσβολές παρατηρήθηκαν στο 80% των αγρών που eπισκοπήθηκαν, ωστόσο το eπίπeδο προσβολής των φυτών ήταν χαμηλό (

Cotton whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Genn.) (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) is a major sucking pest in many agricultural and horticultural cropping systems globally. The frequent use of insecticides of different mode of action classes resulted in populations resisting treatments used to keep numbers under economic damage thresholds. Recently it was shown that resistance to neonicotinoids such as imidacloprid is linked to the over-expression of CYP6CM1, a cytochrome P450 monooxygenase detoxifying imidacloprid and other neonicotinoid insecticides when recombinantly expressed in insect cells. However over-expression of CYP6CM1 is also known to confer cross-resistance to pymetrozine, an insecticide not belonging to the chemical class of neonicotinoids. In addition we were able to demonstrate by LC-MS/MS analysis the metabolisation of pyriproxyfen by recombinantly expressed CYP6CM1. Based on our results CYP6CM1 is one of the most versatile detoxification enzymes yet identified in a pest of agricultural importance, as it detoxifies a diverse range of chemical classes used to control whiteflies. Therefore we developed a field-diagnostic antibody-based lateral flow assay which detects CYP6CM1 protein at levels providing resistance to neonicotinoids and other insecticides. The ELISA based test kit can be used as a diagnostic tool to support resistance management strategies based on the alternation of different modes of action of insecticides.