Artificial selection for emamectin benzoate resistance in the biological control agent Orius laevigatus

Biological control is occasionally supplemented with insecticides treatments, which may have a significant impact on natural enemies. Typically, selective compounds are chosen to overcome lack of compatibility, but an alternative approach the use biocontrol agents resistant pesticides. Orius laevigatus (Fieber) (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) main predator used thrips and other small pests in greenhouses. The avermectin emamectin benzoate bioinsecticide developed for lepidopteran pests, reported as moderately highly toxic O. laevigatus. Firstly, we studied variation susceptibility 32 wild commercial populations A 62.4-fold response was found (LC50 from 0.8 mg L−1 49.9 L−1). baseline LC50 4.8 L−1. Secondly, exploited this intraspecific select four distinct emamectin-resistant strains. After 41–47 selection cycles, strains were successfully obtained = 104–203 L−1) compared reference population 4.7 resistance retained 18 generations without insecticide exposure expressed all life instars, especially 4th nymphal instar adult. did not show cross-resistance abamectin. Inhibitors detoxification enzymes failed restore at concentrations tested. Fecundity predation capacity strain similar those population. be enough allow survival adults nymphs exposed treatments across crop season.