Biochemical and Molecular Characterisation of Insecticide Insensitive Acetylcholinesterase in Resistant Insects

Over half of the world’s insecticide market depends on organophosphorus (OP) and carbamate insecticides acting on acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Their extensive use over many years has led to the development of resistance in many insect species, one of the most important mechanisms being target site insensitivity. A range of AChE variants can be found within a species, differing markedly in their catalytic efficiency and insecticide insensitivity profiles. This is illustrated by our studies of the AChE from resistant strains of housefly (Musca domestica) (1), whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) (2) and the aphids, Myzus persicae (3) and Aphis gossypii (4).