Analysis of Rate of Development of Insecticide Resistance Based on Simulation of a Genetic Model 1

Abstract

A model was developed to simulate by computer insect populations developing resistance to insecticides. Variables used in the model included level of selection pressure, level of resistance associated with different resistance genes and heterogeneity of response of insect populations to the insecticides. The data are based on known toxicological and biochemical parameters of resistance in the house fly, Musca domestica L. The results show resistance developed rapidly under most test conditions simulated. Factors associated with rapid resistance development include high level of selection pressure, high level of resistance caused by a resistance gene and high homogeneity of response to the selecting insecticide, i.e., steep slope to the dosage-mortality line. The results suggest resistance problems can be minimized by keeping selection pressure low, by using insecticides detoxified by several rather than single enzymatic pathways and by using insecticides to which susceptible insect populations respond in a highly heterogenous manner, i.e., shallow slope to the dosage-mortality line.