Evolutionary dynamics of the resistance to emamectin benzoate in Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Brazil

Abstract

The intensive agricultural production system in Brazil favors the development of insect pests. Despite the advances in the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in Agriculture, the use of chemical insecticides is still one of the main control tactics. The reduction of insecticide effectiveness due to the evolution of resistance has been one of the great threats to IPM programs. Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. /smith) is a pest of great economic importance in maize and cotton crops, due to its bioecological characteristics such as high polyphagia and high dispersal capacity. These bioecological features of S. frugiperda associated with an intense production system favors the evolutionary process of insecticide resistance. Understanding the interaction between natural enemies and insecticide resistant strains may contribute to understand the resistance evolution under field conditions. Therefore, the objective of this research proposal is to collect information that can contribute to implementing proactive resistance management program of S. frugiperda to emamectin benzoate. Computational modelling will be exploited to describe and quantify the interactions of the predator Podisus nigrispinus with S. frugiperda strains with differential susceptibility to emamectin benzoate in the evolution of resistance. (AU)