Insecticide Resistance: Challenge to Pest Management and Basic Research
L. B. BRATTSTEN 1,
C. W. HOLYOKE JR. 2,
J. R. LEEPER 1, and
K. F. RAFFA 3
1 Senior research biologists, University of Wisconsin, Madison 53706.
2 Senior research chemist, University of Wisconsin, Madison 53706.
3 Department of Entomology, University of Wisconsin, Madison 53706.
The agricultural use of synthetic insecticides usually protects crops but imposes strong selection pressures that can result in the development of resistance. The most important resistance mechanisms are enhancement of the capacity to metabolically detoxify insecticides and alterations in target sites that prevent insecticides from binding to them. Insect control methods must incorporate strategies to minimize resistance development and preserve the utility of the insecticides. The most promising approach, integrated pest management, includes the use of chemical insecticides in combination with improved cultural and biologically based techniques.
