Molecular innovations underlying resistance to nicotine and neonicotinoids in the aphid <scp> <i>Myzus persicae</i> </scp>

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