German cockroach resistance: Propoxur selection induces the same resistance spectrum as diazinon selection

Abstract A resistant laboratory strain of the German cockroach, Blattella germanica, was developed from a normal laboratory strain by selection with propoxur. Resistance to all insecticides except chlordane began increasing after 15 generations of selection and reached a plateau for most insecticides by generation 27. The resistant colony, designated B‐strain, developed significant resistance to carbamates, organophosphorus compounds, pyrethrins and DDT, developed low resistance to gamma‐BHC and no resistance to chlordane. The resistance spectrum, effect of synergists and inheritance of resistance of this propoxur resistant strain are similar to a diazinon resistant strain. Therefore, diazinon and propoxur may select for the same resistance mechanism(s) in this species. The practical implications of this research are discussed.