Reduced proinsecticide activation by cytochrome P450 confers coumaphos resistance in the major bee parasite <i>Varroa destructor</i>

Significance Honey bees pollinate the majority of crops, but their survival is under threat. The bee parasitic mite Varroa destructor a major cause honey decline. successful control mites depends on small number in-hive acaricides. Species-specific activation chemical coumaphos powerful “pro-drug” approach to attain this selective toxicity and protect bees. We identified coumaphos-resistant population that escapes by down-regulating activating enzyme, P450 monooxygenase. Decreased rare evolutionarily solution achieve resistance. It demonstrates current proinsecticide threat, as it can be circumvented, highlights need restart pipeline develop pest agents.