Dynamics of imidacloprid resistance and cross-resistance in the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens

Extensive use of imidacloprid for suppressing the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens (Stål) (Homoptera: Delphacidae), has placed heavy selection pressure on the target insect. A systematic study was carried out to determine imidacloprid resistance dynamics and cross-resistance. Data collected from a 3-year study (2005-2007) showed that in 2005, the resistance levels in Nanning (Guangxi), Haiyan (Zhejiang), and Nanjing and Tongzhou (Jiangsu) populations ranged from 200- to 799-fold compared with the susceptible strain. However, the resistance levels decreased to 135- to 233-fold in 2007, after reduced application of the chemical. A laboratory population was challenged with imidacloprid in successive generations. After 23 generations, the resistance ratio had increased from 200- to 1 298-fold. Continuous selection with imidacloprid could increase the resistance level even more than has already been developed in the population. Stopping selection with imidacloprid led to a rapid decrease of resistance from 759- to 114-fold after 17 generations. Resistance levels then became stable without decreasing any further. A similar result was also obtained from a study involving a field population (resistance ratio = 625-fold) collected from Tongzhou. At first, the population showed a rapid decrease in resistance right after imidacloprid selection was stopped, and then the resistance stabilized at a level of 105-129-fold. More interestingly, resistance increased again when selection was resumed. In addition, the resistant strain selected with imidacloprid showed substantial cross-resistance to imidaclothiz, thiacloprid, and acetamiprid, and slight levels of cross-resistance to dinotefuran and thiamethoxam, but no obvious cross-resistance to nitenpyram, buprofezin, and fipronil. The information from this study is valuable for formulating resistance-management strategies against N. lugens.