Distribution of voltage-gated sodium channel and acetylcholinesterase mutations in Bemisia tabaci species from the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: The intensive use of insecticides can result in the emergence of resistant genotypes, as observed globally in the B. tabaci species complex. Two well-studied/known cases of resistance mechanisms in B. tabaci involve mutations in the voltage-gated sodium channel (Kdr) and acetylcholinesterase (Ace 1) genes. However, no studies have surveyed these resistance mechanisms in whitefly populations from Central Africa. To study the frequency of these mutations in whitefly species on cassava, 1315 individuals were collected from 60 fields across 12 provinces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Species were identified molecularly, and then the frequencies of Kdr and Ace 1 mutations were assessed. Four species were found: SSA1-SG1 ∪ SG2 (71.48 %); SSA1-SG3 (0.31 %); SSA2 ∪ SSA3 (15.51 %), and MED ASL (12.70 %). For the Kdr mutation, 9 % of individuals of SSA1-SG1 ∪ SG2, 6 % of MED ASL, and 3 % of SSA2USSA3 carried at least one resistant allele. For the Ace 1 mutation, resistance alleles were found in 0.1 % of SSA1-SG1 ∪ SG2, 6 % of MED ASL, and 1 % of SSA2 ∪ SSA3 individuals. The geographical distribution of resistant genotypes remains limited to certain regions. However, there is a long-term risk that resistance becomes established around areas where insecticides are used on cotton and vegetable crops. Appropriate strategies for the management of these vectors of phytoviruses are discussed.
Source: Infection Genetics and Evolution
Authors: Olivier Likiti Kola, Christophe Simiand, Hadija Mussa Ally, Daniel Otron, Sharon L. van Brunschot, Justin S. Pita, John Colvin, Godefroid Monde Te-Kazangba, Hélène Delatte
Institutions: Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement, Peuplements végétaux et bioagresseurs en milieu tropical, Institut Facultaire des sciences Agronomiques de Yangambi, Tanzania Agriculture Research Institute, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, CSIRO Health and Biosecurity, Natural Resources Institute, University of Greenwich
Language: English
Subfield: Molecular Biology
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,730
Awards: G3745117720, University of Greenwich - to solve the African cassava whitefly problem in three East African countries and prevent further whitefly-borne, cassava-virus pandemics, G4660654254, G5603573392, G626063393, University of Greenwich - to increase food security in Uganda, Tanzania and Malawi by reducing the spread of whitefly-borne cassava-virus pandemics, carrying out research to...
OpenAlex ID: W4417535577