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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Ames, Iowa » Corn Insects and Crop Genetics Research » Research » Research Project #441263

Research Project: Detecting Insecticide-Resistant Aphids before Field Failures Cost Farmers

Location: Corn Insects and Crop Genetics Research

Project Number: 5030-22000-019-007-R
Project Type: Reimbursable Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: Sep 1, 2020
End Date: May 31, 2024

Objective:
This research will develop genetic markers and screening methods to determine if field-collected aphids are resistant to pyrethroid insecticides, and distribute this geographic prevalence information to growers through state and local extension resources along with economic modeling applications for making aphid management decisions.

Approach:
The approach will aim to 1) determine the genotype of aphids at candidate genes previously known to cause pyrethroid insecticide resistance using targeted genome sequencing methods; 2) determine the association between differential expression of candidate genes and mutation in upstream gene regulatory regions and/or transcription factors; 3) develop validated genetic markers that are predictive of resistant phenotypes in field populations, and apply these markers for screening samples across the upper-Midwest; and 4) disseminate regional prevalence information along with electronic economic forecasting tools to growers for making management decisions.