Search

BACKGROUND: The crucial role of insect chitinase in molting, pupation, and emergence renders it a promising target for pest control strategies. Despite the extensive investigation of chitinase genes in various pests, there is still a lack of systematic identification and functional analysis related to aphid chitinase. RESULTS: We systematically identified a total of nine chitinase/chitinase‐like genes and one ENGase gene, which included eight Cht genes, one IDGF gene, and one ENGase gene. Through phylogenetic analysis, the chitinase proteins were classified into nine distinct groups (I, II, III, V, VI, VIII, X, other, and ENGase). The expression profile revealed that the epidermis exhibited relatively high expression levels for three chitinase genes: MpCht5, MpCht7, and MpCht10. Furthermore, transcriptional levels of nine chitinase genes were up‐regulated following treatment with 20‐hydroxyecdysone (20E) hormone. Silencing MpCht3, MpCht5, MpCht7, MpCht10, and MpCht11‐2 via RNA interference (RNAi) during the molting stage resulted in nymph shrinking, hindering normal molting and leading to death. Additionally, it was observed that silencing of MpIDGF induced the body color of the aphids to change from reddish brown to colorless after molting, culminating in eventual mortality. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that chitinase/chitinase‐like genes play a crucial role in the molting process of Myzus persicae. Utilizing RNAi technology, we aimed to elucidate the precise function of MpCht genes in the molting mechanism of M. persicae, this discovery establishes a significant theoretical foundation for future research on aphid control, with chitinase as the target. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Body‐color polymorphisms in insects are often explained by environmental selective advantages. Differential fitness related to body coloration has been demonstrated in Myzus persicae (Sulzer): performance of the red morph is in general better than that of the green morph on tobacco plants. However, the molecular mechanism involved is largely unclear. RESULTS: Here we showed that the red morph of M. persicae had higher expression of a carotenoid desaturase CarD763 in the whole body, salivary gland and saliva relative to the green morph. Also, 18% individuals displayed faded red body color 5 days post dsCarD763 treatment. Furthermore, knockdown of CarD763 in the red morph significantly prolonged the time needed to locate phloem and shortened the duration of phloem feeding. Honeydew production and survival rate decreased as well. In contrast, overexpression of CarD763 in tobacco leaves facilitated aphid feeding, enhanced honeydew production and improved the survival rate of aphids. Compared with those fed by dsGFP aphids, plants infested by dsCarD763‐treated aphids had higher ROS accumulation, lower lycopene content and photosynthetic rate, and maximum photon quantum yield. The reverse was true when plants overexpressed CarD763. CONCLUSION: These findings demonstrated that CarD763, a red morph‐specific salivary protein, could enhance aphid feeding and early colonization by promoting plant photosynthesis. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Understanding how parasitoids respond to temperature is crucial for improving biological control strategies under the context of global warming. This study examined the suitability of Myzus persicae and its parasitoid Aphidius gifuensis to varying temperature conditions, as well as the stage‐specific response of A. gifuensis to high temperatures. RESULTS: High temperatures had a significant impact on the both M. persicae and A. gifuensis. When exposed to 36°C, M. persicae developed more slowly and produced smaller adults compared to control, regardless of the duration of exposure (2, 4 or 6 h); additionally, the survival rate of M. persicae nymphs sharply decreased under these conditions. Exposure to 36°C for 4 h negatively impacted the development of A. gifuensis. Female parasitoids exposed to 32°C developed into smaller adults, whereas males exposed to all three temperature levels were smaller compared to control group. Female parasitoids exposed to high temperatures, regardless of the specific heat level and duration, exhibited reduced longevity and decreased fecundity. None of the parasitoids exposed to 36°C for 6 h daily developed into adults. Heat treated during early developmental stages (2 and 4 days old) had a greater influence on parasitoid development, whereas heat treatment at 4 and 6 days old had a more significant impact on its fecundity. CONCLUSION: High temperatures not only directly affected the performance of A. gifuensis, but also exerted indirect effects by influencing the quality of the host aphids M. persicae. The deleterious effects of high temperature on larvae can persist into the adult stage, affecting the longevity and reproduction of adults. These findings are important for the utilization of A. gifuensis in the control of M. persicae in warming environments. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The green peach aphid (Myzus persicae) is a severe agricultural crop pest that has developed resistance to most current control methods, requiring the urgent development of novel strategies. Plant proteinase inhibitors (PINs) are small proteins that protect plants against pathogens and/or herbivores, likely by preventing efficient protein digestion. RESULTS: We identified 67 protease genes in the transcriptomes of three M. persicae lineages (USDA‐Red, G002 and G006). Comparison of gene expression levels in aphid guts and whole aphids showed that several proteases, including a highly expressed serine protease, are significantly overexpressed in the guts. Furthermore, we identified three genes encoding serine protease inhibitors (SerPIN‐II1, 2 and 3) in Nicotiana benthamiana, which is a nonpreferred host for M. persicae. Using virus‐induced gene silencing (VIGS) with a tobacco rattle virus (TRV) vector and overexpression with a turnip mosaic virus (TuMV) vector, we demonstrated that N. benthamiana SerPIN‐II1 and SerPIN‐II2 cause reduced survival and growth, but do not affect aphid protein content. Likewise, SerPIN‐II3 overexpression reduced survival and growth, and serpin‐II3 knockout mutations, which we generated using CRISPR/Cas9, increased survival and growth. Protein content was significantly increased in aphids fed on SerPIN‐II3 overexpressing plants, yet it was decreased in aphids fed on serpin‐II3 mutants. CONCLUSION: Our results show that three PIN‐IIs from N. benthamiana, a nonpreferred host plant, effectively inhibit M. persicae survival and growth, thereby representing a new resource for the development of aphid‐resistant crop plants. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Afidopyropen is a novel insecticide with high selectivity between sucking insects such as the peach aphids Myzus persicae and natural enemies like the seven‐spotted lady beetle Coccinella septempunctata. However, the mechanisms of selective action for afidopyropen remain unknown. RESULTS: The LC50 values of afidopyropen to the 1st–4th instar larvae and adult C. septempunctata were 372‐ to more than 7267‐fold higher than that to adult M. persicae. Though the activity of cytochrome P450s in M. persicae was 6.1‐ to 7.5‐fold higher than that in C. septempunctata, the latter has much higher activities of carboxylesterase (CarEs) and glutathione S‐transferases (GSTs), and the crude enzyme of C. septempunctata and M. persicae showed similar metabolism efficiency to afidopyropen. Molecular docking results demonstrated that afdopyropen showed higher binding affinity to the vanilloid‐type transient receptor potential (TRPV) channel of M. persicae (−9.1 kcal/mol) than to that of C. septempunctata (−8.2 kcal/mol). And the EC50 value of afdopyropen to the TRPV channel of C. septempunctata (41 360 nM) was 19 885‐fold higher than that in M. persicae (2.08 nM). CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrated that the significantly different sensitivity of M. persicae and C. septempunctata TRPV channel to afidopyropen play a key role in the high selectivity of afidopyropen. These findings provide new insights into the selective mechanisms of afidopyropen against insect pests and natural enemies as well as the theory support for coordinated application of chemical control and biological control. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Myzus persicae, a serious sap‐sucking pest of a large variety of host plants in agriculture, is traditionally controlled using chemical insecticides but there is interest in using biopesticides as restrictions are increasingly placed on the use of broad‐spectrum pesticides. RESULTS: Here, we show that in Petri dish experiments, high concentrations of the fungal entomopathogen Beauveria bassiana led to rapid mortality of M. persicae, although at a low concentration (1 × 104 conidia mL−1) there is a hormetic effect in which survival and fecundity are enhanced. Hormetic effects persisted across a generation with reduced development time and increased fecundity in the offspring of M. persicae exposed to B. bassiana. The whole‐plant experiment points to a hormetic effect being detected in two out of three tested lines. The impact of these effects might also depend on whether M. persicae was transinfected with the endosymbiont Rickettsiella viridis, which decreases fecundity and survival compared with aphids lacking this endosymbiont. This fecundity cost was ameliorated in the generation following exposure to the entomopathogen. CONCLUSION: Although B. bassiana is effective in controlling M. persicae especially at higher spore concentrations, utilization of this entomopathogen requires careful consideration of hormetic effects at lower spore concentrations, and further research to optimize its application for sustainable agriculture is recommended. © 2024 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) and its crystal toxin or δ‐endotoxins (Cry) offer great potential for the efficient control of crop pests. A vast number of pests can potentially infect the same host plant, either simultaneously or sequentially. However, no effective Bt‐Cry protein has been reported to control both aphids and plant parasitic nematodes due to its highly specific activity. RESULTS: Our study indicated that the Cry5Ba2 protein was toxic to the green peach aphid Myzus persicae, which had a median lethal concentration (LC50) of 9.7 ng μL−1 and fiducial limits of 3.1–34.6 ng μL−1. Immunohistochemical localization of Cry5Ba2 revealed that it could bind to the apical tip of microvilli in midgut regions. Moreover, transgenic tobacco plants expressing Cry5Ba2 exhibited significant resistance to Myzus persicae, as evidenced by reduced insect survival and impaired fecundity, and also intoxicated the Meloidogyne incognita as indicated by a decrease in galls and progeny reproduction. CONCLUSION: In sum, we identified a new aphicidal Bt toxin resource that could simultaneously control both aboveground and belowground pests, thus extending the application range of Bt‐based strategy for crop protection. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: To improve integrated pest management (IPM) performance it is essential to assess pesticide side effects on host plants, insect pests, and natural enemies. The green peach aphid (Myzus persicae Sulzer) is a major insect pest that attacks various crops. Aphidius gifuensis is an essential natural enemy of M. persicae that has been applied effectively in controlling M. persicae. Thiamethoxam is a neonicotinoid pesticide widely used against insect pests. RESULTS: The current study showed the effect of thiamethoxam against Solanum tuberosum, M. persicae, and A. gefiuensis and the physiological and molecular response of the plants, aphids, and parasitoids after thiamethoxam application. Thiamethoxam affected the physical parameters of S. tuberosum and generated a variety of sublethal effects on M. persicae and A. gefiuensis, including nymph development time, adult longevity, and fertility. Our results showed that different thiamethoxam concentrations [0.1, 0.5, and 0.9 μm active ingredient (a.i.)/L] on different time durations (2, 6, and 10 days) increased the antioxidant enzyme activities SOD, POD, and CAT of S. tuberosum, M. persicae, and A. gefiuensis significantly compared with the control. Our results also showed that different thiamethoxam concentrations (0.1, 0.5, and 0.9 μm a.i./L) on different time durations (2, 6, and 10 days) increased the expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), carboxylesterase (CarE) and glutathione‐S‐transferase (GST) genes of S. tuberosum, M. persicae, and A. gefiuensis compared with the control. CONCLUSION: Our findings reveal that using thiamethoxam at suitable concentrations and time durations for host plants and natural enemies may enhance natural control through the conservation of natural enemies by overcoming any fitness disadvantages. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: RNA interference (RNAi) is the sequence‐dependent suppression of gene expression by double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA). This is a promising strategy for the control of insect pests because dsRNA can be rationally designed to maximize efficacy and biosafety, the latter by using sequences that are found in target pests but are safe for non‐target insects. However, this has yet to be optimized in aphids, destructive sap‐sucking pests that also transmit plant viruses. We used the green peach aphid (Myzus persicae) as a case study to optimize the efficiency of RNAi by applying a novel fusion dsRNA design. RESULTS: Comparative transcriptomics revealed a number of genes that are induced in feeding aphids, and eight candidate genes were chosen as RNAi targets. To improve RNAi efficiency, our fusion dsRNA design approach combined optimal gene fragments (highly conserved in several aphid species but with less homology in beneficial insects such as the predator ladybeetle Propylea japonica) from three candidate genes. We compared this RNAi‐based biological control approach with conventional chemical control using imidacloprid. We found that the fusion dsRNA strategy inhibited the aphid population to a significantly greater extent than single‐target RNAi and did not affect ladybeetle fitness, allowing an additive effect between RNAi and natural predation, whereas imidacloprid was harmful to aphids and ladybeetles. CONCLUSION: Our fusion dsRNA design approach enhances the ability of RNAi to control aphids without harming natural predators. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Failures in controlling Myzus persicae by pyrethroids and carbamates have been observed in Czechia since 2018. Eleven populations collected from Czech oilseed rape fields during 2018–2021 were tested for susceptibility to 11 insecticides. The presence of a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) leading to knockdown resistance in M. persicae populations was screened using allelic discriminating quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The presence of mutations related with the resistance of M. persicae to pyrethroids and carbamates was detected by sequencing paratype voltage‐gated sodium channel and acetylcholinesterase 2 genes, respectively. Results: Resistance to alpha‐cypermethrin and pirimicarb was detected in most of the tested populations. The L1014F mutation was detected in 44.5% of M. persicae individuals surviving the field‐recommended dose of alpha‐cypermethrin. Sequencing of partial para gene for paratype voltage‐gated sodium channel detected five different SNPs leading to four amino acid substitutions (kdr L1014F; s‐kdr M918L; s‐kdr M918T; and L932F). No pyrethroid‐sensitive genotype was detected. The S431F amino acid substitution conferring resistance to carbamates was detected in 11 of 20 individuals with different pyrethroid‐resistance genotypes. Conclusion: Resistance of M. persicae to both pyrethroids and carbamates was detected in nine of 11 populations. High resistance of M. persicae was correlated with mutations of the sodium channel. Sulfoxaflor, flonicamid, and spirotetramat are proposed as effective compounds to control pyrethroid‐ and carbamate‐resistant populations of M. persicae. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is an economically important vegetable crop around the globe. Tomato yellow leaf curling (TYLC) is the most devastating viral disease posing a serious threat to tomato production throughout the tropical and subtropical world. Induction of microbe‐mediated systemic resistance in plants has been of great interest in recent years as a novel microbiological tool in disease and insect pest management. This in‐vitro study aimed to determine the effectiveness of different strains (BB252, BB72 and ARSEF‐2860) of a hypocreal fungus Beauveria bassiana against TYLCV disease and aphid Myzus persicae. Potted tomato plants exogenously treated with conidial and filtrate suspensions of B. bassiana strains and of their partially purified or purified proteins were exposed to TYLCV inoculum and aphid M. persicae. RESULTS: Results showed a significant suppression of TYLCV disease severity index by the exogenous application of conidial, filtrate and protein treatments of all B. bassiana strains and this response was directly proportional to the treatment concentration. Similarly, mean fecundity rate of M. persicae was also significantly reduced by the highest concentration of ARSEF‐2860‐derived elicitor protein PeBb1, followed by the highest concentrations of BB252‐ and BB72‐derived partially purified proteins. Moreover, these B. bassiana‐derived proteins also caused a significant upregulation of most of the plant immune marker genes associated with plant defense. CONCLUSION: Overall, the study findings suggest that these B. bassiana strains and their partially purified or purified elicitor proteins could be effective biological tools for the management of TYLCV and aphid infestation on tomato plants. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Virus Yellows (VY), a disease caused by several aphid‐borne viruses, is a major threat to the global sugar beet production. Following the ban of neonicotinoid‐based seed treatments against aphids in Europe, increased efforts are needed to monitor and forecast aphid population spread during the sugar beet growing season. In particular, predicting aphid flight seasonal activity could allow anticipation of the timing and intensity of crop colonisation and contribute to the proper implementation of management methods. Forecasts should be made early enough to assess risk, but can be updated as the season progresses to refine management. Based on a long‐term suction‐trap dataset gathered between 1978 and 2014, we built and evaluated a set of models to predict the flight activity features of the main VY vector, Myzus persicae, at any location in the French sugar beet production area (c. 4 × 105 ha). Flight onset dates, length of flight period and cumulative abundance of flying aphids were predicted using climatic and land‐use predictors as well as geographical position. RESULTS: Our predictions outperformed current models published in the literature. The importance of the predictor variables varied according to the predicted flight feature but winter and early spring temperature always played a major role. Forecasts based on temperature were made more accurate by adding predictors related to aphid winter reservoirs. In addition, updating the model parameters to take advantage of new weather data acquired during the season improved the flight forecast. CONCLUSION: Our models can be used as a tool for the mitigation in sugar beet crops. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Myzus persicae (Hemiptera: Aphididae) is one of the most notorious pests of many crops worldwide. Most Cry toxins produced by Bacillus thuringiensis show very low toxicity to M. persicae; however, a study showed that Cry41‐related toxin had moderate toxic activity against M. persicae. In our previous work, potential Cry41‐related toxin‐binding proteins in M. persicae were identified, including cathepsin B, calcium‐transporting ATPase, and Buchnera‐derived ATP‐dependent 6‐phosphofructokinase (PFKA). Buchnera is an endosymbiont present in almost all aphids and it provides necessary nutrients for aphid growth. This study investigated the role of Buchnera‐derived PFKA in Cry41‐related toxicity against M. persicae. RESULTS: In this study, recombinant PFKA was expressed and purified, and in vitro assays revealed that PFKA bound to Cry41‐related toxin, and Cry41‐related toxin at 25 μg ml−1 significantly inhibited the activity of PFKA. In addition, when M. persicae was treated with 30 μg ml−1 of Cry41‐related toxin for 24 h, the expression of dnak, a single‐copy gene in Buchnera, was significantly decreased, indicating a decrease in the number of Buchnera. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that Cry41‐related toxin interacts with Buchnera‐derived PFKA to inhibit its enzymatic activity and likely impair cell viability, resulting in a decrease in the number of Buchnera, and finally leading to M. persicae death. These findings open up new perspectives in our understanding of the mode of action of Cry toxins and are useful in helping improve Cry toxicity for aphid control. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have shown that symbionts are involved in regulating insecticide detoxification in insects. However, there are few studies on the relationship between the symbionts found in Myzus persicae and the mechanism underlying host detoxification of insecticides. In this study, antibiotic ampicillin treatment was used to investigate the possible relationship between symbiotic bacteria and the detoxification of insecticides in the host, M. persicae. RESULTS: Bioassays showed that ampicillin significantly reduced the susceptibilities of M. persicae to imidacloprid and cyantraniliprole. Synergistic bioassays and RNAi assays showed that the susceptibilities of M. persicae to imidacloprid and cyantraniliprole were related to metabolic detoxification enzyme activities and the expression level of the cytochrome P450 gene, CYP6CY3. Also, treatment to a combination of ampicillin and enzyme inhibitors or dsCYP6CY3 showed that the negative effect of ampicillin on the susceptibility of M. persicae was effectively inhibited bydetoxification enzyme inhibitors and dsCYP6CY3. Additionally, ampicillin treatment resulted in significant increases in the activities of multifunctional oxidases and esterases, the expression level of CYP6CY3 and fitness of M. persicae. Further, ampicillin significantly reduced the total bacterial abundance and changed symbiont diversity in M. persicae. The abundance of Pseudomonadaceae decreased significantly, while the abundance of Rhodococcus and Buchnera increased significantly. CONCLUSION: Our study showed that ampicillin enhanced the resistance levels to imidacloprid and cyantraniliprole of M. persicae, which might be related to the selective elimination of symbiotic bacteria, the upregulated activities of detoxification enzymes and the increased fitness. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Insect neuropeptides control essential physiological metabolic activities. In our previous studies, Capability/CAP2b (PK/CAPA) analog 1895 applied alone or as a combination of CAPA analogs (1895 + 2315) was reported to decrease aphid fitness. While this was obtained with the combination of two peptide analogs of the same neuropeptide class, the effect of combining peptide analogs of different neuropeptide classes has not been explored so far. Results: In this study, we assessed the effect of combinations of the PK/CAPA analog 1895 with neuropeptide analogs of four different classes [adipokinetic hormone (AKH) analog: 2271; myosuppressin analog: 2434; kinin analog: 2460; tachykinin‐related peptide analog: 2463] on the fitness of aphids. We found that the combination of 1895 and AKH analog 2271 was the most effective one to control Myzus persicae. The triple combination 1895 + 2271 + 2315 provided a synergistic effect by further increasing aphid mortality and reducing reproduction relative to 1895 + 2315. Additionally, a biosafety assessment of the combination 1895 + 2271 + 2315 showed no significant lethal nor sub‐lethal effects on survival rates and food intake for the pollinator (Bombus terrestris) and the two representative natural enemies (Harmonia axyridis and Nasonia vitripennis). Conclusion: These results could facilitate establishment of the triple combination 1895 + 2271 + 2315, and/or inclusion of second generation analogs, as alternatives to broad spectrum and less friendly insecticides. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The massive use of synthetic insecticides strongly affects the level of insecticide resistance in populations of Myzus persicae worldwide. The selection of target site insensitivity‐mutations is particularly worrying in areas where agro‐industrial crops are vulnerable to the attacks of aphids that vector viruses, as in the case of Tunisia. Knowledge of the resistance mechanisms evolved locally in this aphid pest is a prerequisite to improving and retaining the sustainability of integrated pest management strategies. RESULTS: Target site mutations were surveyed in several populations of M. persicae collected from peach and potato crops between 2011 and 2017 in three Tunisian regions using real‐time allele‐specific PCR. The L1014F mutation (kdr locus) was found at a moderate frequency mostly in the heterozygous state and the homozygous resistant genotype was very uncommon. The M918T mutation (super‐kdr locus) was present in a few heterozygous individuals, whereas the M918L mutation was detected for the first time in Tunisia and extreme North Africa. This latter mutation was shown to be widespread and well‐established in Tunisia mainly as homozygous individuals, and was more abundant on peach than on potato crops. The S431F mutation (MACE) was found in a few heterozygous individuals. No individuals carrying the R81T mutation linked to neonicotinoid resistance were detected. CONCLUSION: This study points out a critical situation for the efficacy of pyrethroid insecticides to control M. persicae populations in Tunisia. It also confirms the rapid spread of the M918L mutation which has been detected in many different areas of the Mediterranean basin. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The peach‐potato aphid, Myzus persicae (Sulzer) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), is a major pest worldwide. The intensive use of insecticides has led to the development of resistance against neonicotinoid insecticides. The R81T mutation in the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) beta1 subunit is considered a crucial mechanism adaptation to neonicotinoid resistance in M. persicae and Aphis gossypii. RESULTS: Resistance‐related mutations (R81T and V101I) were detected in the imidacloprid‐resistant M. persicae AH19 population. The V101I mutation is reported for the first time. The V101I and R81T mutations existed separately, indicating that the two mutations evolved independently. Imidacloprid resistance in the AH19 population was stable without insecticide exposure. Four mutant strains were selected from the population with stable resistance. The resistance of the AH19‐T, AH19‐I, and AH19‐TI strains to imidacloprid, thiamethoxam, and dinotefuran was significantly increased compared with the AH19‐W strain. Synergism bioassays showed that the inhibition of three detoxification enzymes did not affect imidacloprid resistance in the AH19‐T and AH19‐I strains. Expression of nAChR β1 subunits in the AH19‐W, AH19‐T, and AH19‐I strains remained unchanged. CONCLUSION: The V101I mutation is associated with neonicotinoid resistance in M. persicae. The resistance of the AH19‐T and AH19‐I strains to neonicotinoids appears to be mainly due to the R81T and V101I mutations, whereas these mutations, together with changes in the cytochrome P450 monooxygenases and nAChR expression may be responsible for the development of neonicotinoid resistance in the AH19‐TI strain. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND A great number of areas favourable for the proliferation of mosquitoes are found in farmland, the most favourable being market gardens and rice paddies. The only means of limiting crop pests (AGRI) and mosquito vectors of human pathogens (AC = antivectorial control) in agricultural environments consists of incorporating systemic or translaminar insecticides into fertilizers (AGRIAC). The plant used in this study was the chili pepper (Capsicum chinensis). Experiments were carried out with Myzus persicae aphid pests and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. Fertilizers were applied in association with thiacloprid, cyromazine, azadirachtin and Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (Bti) + Bacillus sphaericus (Bs) insecticides. Chili pepper seedlings were dried to assess the amount of insecticide in their tissues. RESULTS: NPK + thiacloprid and NPK + azadirachtin remained efficient against aphids for 28 days, whereas Bti + Bs had to be added to both mixtures to make them efficient against Ae. albopictus larvae. NPK + cyromazine remained active against both aphids and mosquitoes for 15 days. The search for insecticide residues in chili pepper showed that untreated plants displayed natural toxicity to Ae. albopictus larvae. The toxic effects induced by the capsaicinoid compounds inside the plant add up to the insecticide action of thiacloprid, cyromazine and azadiractin. CONCLUSION: The AGRIAC concept allows for an innovative vector control method that can manage aphid pests and mosquitoes while providing plants with the needed fertilizer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The green peach aphid, Myzus persicae, is a globally distributed highly damaging crop pest. This species has demonstrated an exceptional ability to evolve resistance to both synthetic insecticides used for control, and natural insecticides produced by certain plants as a chemical defense against insect attack. Here we review work characterizing the evolution of resistance in M. persicae to the natural insecticide nicotine and the structurally related class of synthetic neonicotinoid insecticides. We outline how research on this topic has provided insights into long‐standing questions of both evolutionary and applied importance. These include questions pertaining to the origins of novel traits, the number and nature of mutational events or 'adaptive steps' underlying the evolution of new phenotypes, and whether host plant adaptations can be co‐opted to confer resistance to synthetic insecticides. Finally, research on the molecular mechanisms underlying insecticide resistance in M. persicae has generated several outstanding questions on the genetic architecture of resistance to both natural and synthetic xenobiotics, and we conclude by identifying key knowledge gaps for future research. © 2021 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Myzus persicae (Sulzer), a worldwide pest, has caused remarkable damage to agriculture. Among the various control methods, chemical control (especially pyrethroids) is most commonly used. The targets of pyrethroids are voltage‐gated sodium channels (Navs). Unlike those of other insects, all Navs of aphids (including two genes), such as Myzus persicae, are unique. RESULTS: In this study, three interlock patterns, I(918)‐F(1014), L(918)‐L(1014), and T(918)‐F(1014), were found at sites 918 and 1014 in the sensitive Myzus persicae strain. Similar to that of other aphids, the Nav of Myzus persicae (MpNav) consisted of two parts, that is MpNav‐I and MpNav‐II, which were embedded with an atypical 'DENS' ion selectivity filter and a conventional 'MFM' inactivation gate, respectively. MpNav had 11 alternative exons, including two mutually exclusive exons (k and l) and three exons (w, x, and t), which were located in domains I and III, respectively. In addition, various RNA editing events, A503T and V588A, appearing between the connection of domains I and II and the S3 of domain IV, respectively, had been described. CONCLUSION: Overall, MpNav was characterized by unique post‐translational regulation mode, 918 and 1014 interlocks, and unusually alternative exons. Our research provides a new perspective on the evolution and variation of insect Navs. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Intensive application of chemical insecticides is required for aphid pest control. Among the biorational alternatives, entomopathogenic fungi are the most sustainable biocontrol agents; those of the order Hypocreales attack and cause fungal disease in arthropod hosts, with variations in host susceptibility attributed to both fungal and host characteristics. We evaluated inter‐ and intraspecies variations in Metarhizium spp. virulence and differences in fungal disease progression on adult and nymph stages of the green peach aphid, Myzus persicae (Sulzer), a parthenogenetically reproducing insect species. RESULTS: Minor interspecies diversity was detected between the generalist Metarhizium species examined. Interestingly, significant intraspecies diversity was observed between Metarhizium brunneum isolates Mb7 and MbK. Infected adult aphids demonstrated similar disease progression for both isolates, mortality rates of more than 80% and fivefold reduction in fecundity. However, nymph mortality was detected only following MbK infection, with 50% mortality and significant reduction in molting rates. Confocal laser scanning microscopy demonstrated the variation in the disease stages of conidial adhesion and hemocoel colonization on each examined day post inoculation for each isolate. Significantly faster disease progression was observed in MbK‐infected versus Mb7‐infected nymphs, the latter demonstrating a higher percentage of uninfected nymphs accompanied with aphid molting. CONCLUSIONS: The observed intraspecies variation suggests that altered conidial adhesion to the nymph cuticle is a major factor affecting virulence. We prove the role of nymph ecdysis as a defense mechanism disrupting fungal infection. Because significant differences were observed between closely related isolates, this study emphasizes the importance of appropriate isolate selection for biological control. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The green peach aphids, Myzus persicae, are a predominant pest in peach orchards as they can alter fruiting and shoot development for several years. This aphid developed resistance against pesticides. Among the alternative control strategies is the reduction of the trees' attractiveness to aphids. In order to identify the plant variables related to plant susceptibility, young peach trees were submitted to various supplies of water and nitrogen, and then artificially infested with aphids. Shoot development, plant water potential and aphid abundance were then monitored on a weekly basis. The apex concentrations in total N, amino acids, soluble sugars and polyphenols were determined at infestation start and infestation peak. RESULTS: Until infestation peak, the thermal time requests for aphid development were independent of infestation severity. The aphid populations then collapsed more rapidly on the low infested shoots than on the high infested ones. Aphid abundances appeared to be positively related to shoot development (leaf expansion and secondary ramification), to shoot growth (stem length and diameter) and to apex concentrations in amino acids and non‐structural carbohydrates (NSC). Polyphenols had the opposite effect. CONCLUSION: Peach susceptibility to aphids depends on shoot development and apex composition, and could be lowered by decreasing the water and nitrogen inputs. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Aphids (Hemiptera: Aphididae) are a problematic pest in global sweet pepper cultivation. Control of aphids often relies on insecticides, leading to widespread resistance. Biological control of aphids is mainly based on releasing specialist natural enemies, but they often fail to control outbreaks. Macrolophus pygmaeus Rambur (Hemiptera: Miridae) is a zoophytophagous generalist which attacks several sweet pepper pests, including aphids. Previous research showed that M. pygmaeus is capable of strongly reducing aphid populations in sweet pepper, but complete control was seldom achieved. Sweet pepper plants continue to grow during the season, reaching > 3 m high in Belgian and Dutch greenhouses. Dense foliage and large vertical distance from the flowers to the lower leaves impede the search efficiency of the predator. Leaf pruning may improve aphid predation by M. pygmaeus by increasing the probability of encountering prey. RESULTS: Four and five treatments (foliage range: 100 cm to full length) respectively were tested in a semi‐commercial sweet pepper greenhouse in 2017 and 2018. Aphid populations in pruned treatments grew more slowly than in the control and M. pygmaeus was eventually able to control aphids in all pruned treatments in 2018. There was no difference in aphid control between the pruned treatments. Sweet pepper production was lower in the treatments with the shortest foliage lengths. CONCLUSION: Leaf pruning up to 160 or 190 cm foliage length improves aphid control by M. pygmaeus in sweet pepper without affecting production. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Commercial compound databases represent rich sources of potential starting points for pharmaceutical and agrochemical product development. Routine insecticidal screening of compounds ordered from these sources led to the identification of a 3‐aminopyridyl urea with activity against Myzus persicae (Sulzer) (green peach aphid). Based on this activity and its structural novelty, further exploration of the chemical space around this hit was initiated. RESULTS: A series of ureas based on the structure of the initial hit were synthesized and screened for insecticidal activity. A broad range of tail groups derived from cyclic secondary amines were explored, and many of these compounds were found to be insecticidally active. However, only compounds featuring a 3‐aminopyridine or 4‐aminopyridazine head group exhibited significant insecticidal potency. Although activity against M. persicae was consistently observed, these ureas were largely inactive against another key sap‐feeding insect pest, Bemisia tabaci (Glennadius) (sweetpotato whitefly). CONCLUSIONS: Follow‐up of an insecticide hit identified from commercial compound acquisition led to the discovery of a novel class of ureas with activity against M. persicae. Despite considerable effort to identify related compounds with additional insecticidal spectrum, however, activity on other important pests remains limited. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: With the growing number of available aphid genomes and transcriptomes, an efficient and easy‐to‐adapt tool for gene function study is urgently required. RNA interference (RNAi), as a post‐transcriptional gene silencing mechanism, is important as a research tool for determining gene functions and has potential as a novel insect control strategy. However, these applications have been hampered by the lack of effective dsRNA delivery approaches in aphids. RESULTS: Here, we developed a convenient and efficient dsRNA delivery method, topical RNAi, in aphids. An investigation of its dose and time‐dependent RNAi efficiencies revealed that with as little as 60 ng dsRNA per adult pea aphid (Acyrthosiphon pisum), the indicator gene, Aphunchback, could be significantly silenced within 2 h of exposure. The method was further validated by successfully silencing other different genes, and it was also efficient toward two other aphid species, Aphis citricidus and Myzus persicae. Furthermore, a noticeable mortality was also observed in pea aphids using topical RNAi‐mediated gene silencing, within 4 days post‐dsRNA application for four out of seven tested genes. CONCLUSION: Compared with the currently used dsRNA delivery methods in aphids, microinjection and ingestion, topical RNAi is time‐ and cost‐effective, which could greatly influence RNAi‐based gene functional studies and potential candidate gene selection for developing RNAi‐based aphid control strategies in the future. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The green peach aphid (Myzus persicae) is a devastating sap‐sucking insect pest that damages many host plants worldwide and causes billions of dollars of crop losses. Induction of RNA interference (RNAi) through oral feeding of small interfering RNA (siRNA) has been demonstrated in aphids. Therefore, host‐mediated delivery of double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) specific to vital structural genes of aphids has been envisaged as a tool for the development of resistance against this aphid species. RESULTS: Cuticular protein (CP) senses seasonal photoperiodism and drives a shift from clonal to sexual generation in aphids. Thus, attenuation of CP gene expression is likely to result in a different reproductive orientation in aphids and thereby affect their fecundity. A gene encoding CP in M. persicae has been targeted for RNAi‐mediated knockdown. Transgenic Arabidopsis expressing dsRNA homologous to the MyCP gene was developed. The dsRNA‐transgenics produced gene‐specific siRNAs fed by aphids infesting the transgenics. A reverse transcription–quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) study revealed an attenuated level of transcripts of the CP gene in aphid nymphs reared on the transgenic plants. Decreased expression of the CP gene resulted in a noticeable decline in aphid fecundity on the transgenic Arabidopsis plants. CONCLUSION: Increasing genetic resistance is the only sustainable way of minimizing the use of toxic agrochemicals to protect plants. Host‐mediated RNAi of important insect genes has been proposed as a potential avenue for developing crop resistance against insect pests. This study demonstrated the potential of MyCP dsRNA in developing RNAi‐based resistance to M. persicae. RNAi‐mediated resistance is expected to be more durable compared with other transgenic strategies. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Myzus persicae is a serious pest that attacks a broad range of agricultural crops. This species has developed chemical resistance to many insecticides globally, and within Australia resistance to multiple chemical groups has been identified. Resistance to neonicotinoid insecticides has been discovered in several countries, but has not previously been confirmed in Australia. We use biomolecular assays and bioassays on field-collected populations to investigate neonicotinoid resistance in M. persicae within Australia. RESULTS Several geographically and genetically distinct populations showed evidence for resistance in bioassays. Genetic markers identified that the mechanism of neonicotinoid resistance in Australia is metabolic resistance through the enhanced expression of a cytochrome P450 gene, CYP6CY3. CONCLUSION M. persicae populations in parts of Australia are now resistant to four different insecticide chemical groups, raising concerns about the long-term management of this pest. While higher copy numbers of CYP6CY3 were seen in all resistant populations, the number of gene copies was not strongly correlated with the level of resistance as determined by LD50 values generated through bioassays. This finding sheds further light on the complexity of the P450 genes in regulating neonicotinoid resistance. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND We hypothesized that the exploration of chemical space around compounds with reported insecticidal activity could be a viable strategy for discovering novel, insecticidally active areas of chemistry. RESULTS A series of thioureas and isothioureas were prepared as part of a scaffold-hopping effort around known insecticidal compounds. Many of these compounds showed excellent activity against key sap-feeding insect pests in insecticidal bioassays. While analogs bearing monocyclic thiophene head groups showed activity against Myzus persicae (green peach aphid), analogs with diarylethane head groups were active against both M. persicae and Bemisia tabaci (sweetpotato whitefly). Despite compelling activity in these laboratory tests, these compounds showed diminished activity when applied to host plants via tracksprayer. CONCLUSIONS The initial hypothesis that structural modification of molecules reported to have insecticidal activity would yield novel compounds that also exhibit insecticidal activity was validated. Despite excellent activity in laboratory bioassays, these new compounds failed to show compelling activity in more demanding tracksprayer tests. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Optimization studies on compounds initially designed to be herbicides led to the discovery of a series of [6-(3-pyridyl)pyridazin-3-yl]amides exhibiting aphicidal properties. Systematic modifications of the amide moiety as well as the pyridine and pyridazine rings were carried out to determine if these changes could improve insecticidal potency. RESULTS Structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies showed that changes to the pyridine and pyridazine rings generally resulted in a significant loss of insecticidal potency against green peach aphids [ Myzus persicae (Sulzer)] and cotton aphids [( Aphis gossypii (Glover)]. However, replacement of the amide moiety with hydrazines, hydrazones, or hydrazides appeared to be tolerated, with small aliphatic substituents being especially potent. CONCLUSIONS A series of aphicidal [6-(3-pyridyl)pyridazin-3-yl]amides were discovered as a result of random screening of compounds that were intially investigated as herbicides. Follow-up studies of the structure-activity relationship of these [6-(3-pyridyl)pyridazin-3-yl]amides showed that biosteric replacement of the amide moiety was widely tolerated suggesting that further opportunities for exploitation may exist for this new area of insecticidal chemistry. Insecticidal efficacy from the original hit, compound 1, to the efficacy of compound 14 produced greater than 10-fold potency improvement against Aphis gossypii and greater than 14-fold potency improvement against Myzus persicae. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Piperonyl butoxide ( PBO) is a well-known insecticide synergist capable of interacting with phase 1 metabolic enzymes, specifically esterases and cytochrome P450s. In this study, structure-activity relationship analyses were used to characterise the interaction of around 30 analogues of PBO with the esterase FE4 and the P450 CYP6CY3 from insecticide-resistant Myzus persicae (Sulzer), in order to predict the synthesis of more potent inhibitors. RESULTS Enzyme inhibition studies were performed against esterase and oxidase activities and, together with in silico modelling, key activity determinants of the analogues were identified and optimised. Novel analogues were then designed and synthesised, some of which showed greater inhibition against both enzymatic systems: specifically, dihydrobenzofuran moieties containing an alkynyl side chain and a butyl side chain against FE4, and benzodioxole derivatives with a propyl/butyl side chain and an alkynyl ether moiety for CYP6CY3. CONCLUSIONS In vitro assays identified potential candidate synergists with high inhibitory potency. The in vivo confirmation of such results will allow consideration for a possible use in agriculture. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND We used molecular assays to diagnose resistance to pyrethroids and pirimicarb in samples of Myzus persicae from field crops or an insect suction trap in Tunisia. Genotypes for resistance loci were related to ones for polymorphic microsatellite loci in order to investigate breeding systems and patterns of genetic diversity, and to inform resistance management tactics. RESULTS The kdr mutation L1014F conferring pyrethroid resistance was found in all samples. The M918T s- kdr mutation also occurred in most samples, but only in conjunction with kdr. We discovered a previously unreported genotype heterozygous for L1014F but homozygous for M918T. Samples with modified acetylcholinesterase ( MACE) conferring resistance to pirimicarb were less common but widespread. 16% of samples contained both the kdr and MACE mutations. Many unique microsatellite genotypes were found, suggesting that M. persicae is holocyclic in Tunisia. There were no consistent associations between resistance and microsatellite markers. CONCLUSION This first study of insecticide resistance in M. persicae in North Africa showed genetic variation in insecticide resistance within microsatellite multilocus genotypes ( MLGMs) and the same resistance mechanisms to be present in different MLGMs. This contrasts with variation in northern Europe where M. persicae is fully anholocyclic. Implications for selection and control strategies are discussed. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Derivatives of piperonyl butoxide with alkynyl side chains were tested in vitro and in vivo against pyrethroid-resistant Meligethes aeneus and imidacloprid-resistant Myzus persicae. RESULTS Synergists with the alkynyl side chain were more effective inhibitors of P450 activity in vitro than piperonyl butoxide, and demonstrated high levels of synergism in vivo, with up to 290-fold synergism of imidacloprid against imidacloprid-resistant M. persicae. CONCLUSIONS These 'second-generation' synergists could overcome metabolic resistance in many pest species and possibly enable reduced rates of insecticide application in some cases. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Pyrethroids are one of the most widespread and commonly used classes of insecticide and are used in multiple roles, including protecting potato crops from virus vector aphids. Resistance in some genotypes of a few species is now widespread, but most species remain susceptible. The rate of virus transmission by two genotypes of the peach potato aphid, Myzus persicae, fed on potato virus Y ( PVY)-infected leaves of potato treated with the pyrethroid λ-cyhalothrin was evaluated. RESULTS The susceptible genotype, type J, was significantly inhibited from transmitting virus to uninfected seedlings. A genotype containing the M918L super knockdown resistance mutation conferring resistance to pyrethroids, type O, showed no inhibition of transmission. However, when survival of the aphids after exposure was compared, the pyrethroid had not killed the type J aphids. CONCLUSIONS λ-Cyhalothrin in a commercial formulation disrupts PVY transmission by disorienting aphid vectors for a sufficient time for the virus to lose its transmissibility. However, M. persicae genotypes carrying the M918L mutation are not prevented from transmitting. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Sulfoxaflor, a new insect control agent developed by Dow AgroSciences, exhibits broad-spectrum control of many sap-feeding insect pests, including aphids, whiteflies, leafhoppers, planthoppers and lygus bugs. During the development of sulfoxaflor, structure-activity relationship ( SAR) exploration of the sulfoximine functional group revealed that the nature of the sulfoximine nitrogen substituent significantly affects insecticidal acitivity. As part of the investigation to probe the various electronic, steric and lipophilic parameters at this position, a series of N-heterocyclic sulfoximines were synthesized and tested for bioactivity against green peach aphid. RESULTS Using a variety of chemistries, the nitrile substituent was replaced with different substituted five- and six-membered heterocycles. The compounds in the series were then tested for insecticidal acitivty against green peach aphid in foliar spray assays. In spite of the larger steric demand of these substituents, the resulting N-heterocyclic sulfoximine analogs displayed good levels of efficacy. In particular, the N-thiazolyl sulfoximines exhibited the greatest activity, with LC50 values as low as 1 ppm. CONCLUSIONS The novel series of N-heterocyclic sulfoximines helped to advance the current knowledge of the sulfoxaflor SAR, and demonstrated that the structural requirement for the sulfoximine nitrogen position was not limited to small, electron-deficient moeities, but rather was tolerant of larger functionality. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Pyrethroids have been widely employed in order to control several agricultural pests, including Myzus persicae. Target-site resistance is the main mechanism that confers insensitivity to this class of compounds, and the most common amino acid substitutions are kdr ( L1014F) and s-kdr ( M918T), but recently another mutation in the s-kdr locus ( M918L) has been described in French and Korean populations of M. persicae. RESULTS Molecular analysis of several Italian populations of M. persicae by pyrosequencing revealed the presence of the new s-kdr mutation ( M918L) in different forms. It was found in two different nucleotide polymorphisms (a/t or a/c substitution), in heterozygous or homozygous status, and also in combination with the classic kdr and s-kdr. Bioassays on populations carrying the M918L mutation show that it strongly affects pyrethroid efficacy, particularly of type II pyrethroids such as lambda-cyhalothrin, while it has no effect against DDT. CONCLUSION This work provides more information about the new s-kdr M918L mutation in M. persicae, describing a more complicated situation arising from the possible combination with the classic L1014F and M918T. Our data open new questions concerning the origin of these new genotypes with different combinations of target-site mutations, and also their possible influence on control strategies. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Myzus persicae is a key pest of peach, which in commercial orchards is mainly controlled by chemical treatments. Neonicotinoids represent the main control strategy, but resistance monitoring programmes in Southern Europe have shown the widespread presence of populations highly resistant to this insecticide class in peach orchards. Moreover, in Italy reports of neonicotinoid application failures are increasing. This work describes the status of the main target-site mutations associated with neonicotinoid and pyrethroid resistance in Italian populations collected in 2012. RESULTS R81T mutation linked with neonicotinoid resistance was found in 65% of analysed aphids (35.5% with a homozygous resistant genotype). For the first time, R81T was found in samples collected from herbaceous hosts. Bioassays on a few genotyped populations also revealed the involvement of P450-based metabolic resistance. Only a few individuals without kdr ( L1014F) and s-kdr ( M918T) target-site mutations were collected. A new single nucleotide polymorphism in the s-kdr locus producing M918L substitution was found. CONCLUSION Target-site resistance to neonicotinoids is common in specialised peach-growing areas, and it is spreading in other Italian regions and on herbaceous hosts. The high frequency of target-site mutations and data obtained from bioassays confirm the presence of multiple resistance mechanisms and suggest the importance of coordinated control strategies. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND The anthranilic diamide insecticide cyantraniliprole has been shown to suppress aphid and whitefly populations as well as reduce transmission of plant viruses by thrips and whiteflies when taken up systemically by the plant. In this study, electrical penetration graphing ( EPG) was used to compare effects of cyantraniliprole on feeding behavior of Myzus persicae with those of the neonicotinoid insecticide imidacloprid applied as a soil drench to pepper plants two-, six-, and ten-days post-treatment. RESULTS Significant reductions in the total amount of time spent probing, mean number of phloem feeding events, and mean number of intracellular punctures were observed on both cyantraniliprole- and imidacloprid-treated plants, compared to aphids that fed on plants treated only with water. Imidacloprid treatment also caused a significant reduction in the total number of probes relative to the water treated control. The effects of cyantraniliprole were statistically significant only in assays conducted at ten-days post-treatment, whereas the effects of imidacloprid on aphid feeding were significant in assays conducted at two-, six-, and ten-days post-treatment. CONCLUSION These findings document significant effects of cyantraniliprole on feeding by Myzus persicae. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]