The frequency and intensity of Myzus persicae (Sulz.) resistance were studied using bioassays and biochemical tests in two potato crops in Ibicoara, Bahia. Both areas received several insecticide applications which failed to control M. persicae. By the end of the crop season, one of the areas received two applications of pirimicarb and the other was not sprayed. Six samples of 700 aphids each were randomly collected before and after the pirimicarb applications, with an interval of four days. Specimens of M. persicae were also collected from isolated potato plants. At the laboratory, the samples were characterized by the CL50 based on insecticide bioassays and by total esterase activity using colorimetric assays. After the pirimicarb applications, the... |