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Target-site resistance to neonicotinoids

  • Short Communication
  • Published:
Journal of Chemical Biology

Abstract

Neonicotinoid insecticides selectively target the invertebrate nicotinic acetylcholine receptor and disrupt excitatory cholinergic neurotransmission. First launched over 20 years ago, their broad pest spectrum, variety of application methods and relatively low risk to nontarget organisms have resulted in this class dominating the insecticide market with global annual sales in excess of $3.5 bn. This remarkable commercial success brings with it conditions in the field that favour selection of resistant phenotypes. A number of important pest species have been identified with mutations at the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor associated with insensitivity to neonicotinoids. The detailed characterization of these mutations has facilitated a greater understanding of the invertebrate nicotinic acetylcholine receptor.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Biological Sciences, Jealott’s Hill International Research Centre, Syngenta Crop Protection, Bracknell, RG42 6EY, UK

    Andrew J. Crossthwaite

  2. Insecticide Chemistry, Werk Stein, Syngenta Crop Protection, CH4332, Schaffhauserstrasse, Stein, Switzerland

    Stefano Rendine & Marco Stenta

  3. Biological Sciences, Werk Stein, Syngenta Crop Protection, CH4332, Schaffhauserstrasse, Stein, Switzerland

    Russell Slater

Authors
  1. Andrew J. Crossthwaite
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  2. Stefano Rendine
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  3. Marco Stenta
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  4. Russell Slater
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Andrew J. Crossthwaite.

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Crossthwaite, A.J., Rendine, S., Stenta, M. et al. Target-site resistance to neonicotinoids. J Chem Biol 7, 125–128 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12154-014-0116-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12154-014-0116-y

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