Management of resistance inBemisiain Arizona cotton

A whitefly (Bemisia argentifolii) resistance crisis climaxed in 1995 in Arizona cotton and prompted the development of an integrated resistance management strategy adapted from a program implemented in Israel in 1987. The strategy incorporated two new major elements: once-per-year use of the insect growth regulators (IGRs) pyriproxyfen and buprofezin, and measures to delay use of pyrethroids for as long into the growing season as possible. A three-stage chemical use recommendation was formulated comprising IGRs (Stage I), other non-pyrethroid insecticides (Stage II), and synergized pyrethroid insecticides (Stage III). Results from use of the strategy in the 1996 season were very promising. Insecticide use for control of whiteflies was reduced substantially. State-wide monitoring of whitefly susceptibility revealed significant reductions in resistance to synergized pyrethroids as well as increased susceptibility to amitraz. Susceptibility of Lygus bugs to key insecticides changed correspondingly with increases and decreases in whitefly resistance from 1994 through 1996. ©1997 SCI