Determination of Possible Detoxification Mechanisms of Insecticide Resistance in Tribolium Castaneum (Herbst) Populations From Turkey

Abstract

Red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum (Herbst), is one of important grain storage pests in the world. The pest contributes to maximum spoilage of the stored grains at larval and adult stages. Infestation by these beetles results in an unappealing smell due to the secretion of benzoquinones from abdominal glands. In order to protect the stored product from this pest loss, insecticides are commonly used all over the world including Turkey. As a consequence of repeated chemical treatments, many cases of insecticide resistance have been detected in the genus Tribolium around the world. In order to estimate resistance status of T. castaneum to organophosphate insecticides, impregnated filter paper bioassay method was used. It is important to know resistance status of insecticides for resistance management. Hence, resistance status of T. castaneum to malathion, pirimiphos-methyl, and chlorpyriphos methyl insecticides was determined. In addition, detoxification mechanism was analysed by determining glutathione S-transferase and esterase activities with biochemical assays. The objective of this study was to examine the susceptibility in two populations of T. castaneum from Turkey to different contact insecticides and to analyse possible role(s) of glutathione S-transferases and esterases in detoxification mechanism in tested populations