Improved Understanding of Seed Treatment Performance through Knowledge of Local Levels of Neonicotinoid Resistance

Recent surveys of tobacco thrips (Frankliniella fusca Hinds) populations undertaken in response to poor thrips control with neonicotinoid seed treatments in cotton revealed widespread occurrence of resistance to thiamethoxam and imidacloprid across the Southeast and Mid-South. Levels of resistance to the two compounds vary greatly among F. fusca populations. Some populations show resistance to both insecticides while others show higher levels of resistance to one or the other compound, and still others are susceptible to both.   Our presentation will document the geographic distribution of differential resistance to thiamethoxam and imidacloprid across region and illustrate how differential resistance affects seed treatment efficacy.