Comparison of susceptibility of melon aphid populations, Aphis gossypii Glover (Hemiptera: Aphididae), from seven regions in Iran to pirimicarb and malathion

The melon aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover (Hemiptera: Aphididae), is one of the most important pests of agricultural products in Iran. In this study, susceptibility of melon aphid populations collected from seven regions (Yazd, Varamin, Mohammadshahr, Esfehan, Karaj, Hashtgerd and Ramsar) 24 h after exposure to pirimicarb and malathion in 2009 was compared. Bioassay experiments on adults were carried out using leaf dipping method. Squash (Cucurbita pepo) leaves were dipped in different concentrations of insecticides in laboratory conditions (25 ± 0.2 ?C, 60 ± 5%, 16: 8 [L: D] h). Control treatment was dipped in distilled water. Each test was replicated three times. The results showed that LC50 values of malathion for Ramsar, Karaj, Mohammadshahr, Hashtgerd, Varamin, Esfehan, and Yazd populations were 162.99, 159.19, 117.94, 79.96, 38.81, 36.32, and 20.25 ppm, respectively. Also, LC50 values of pirimicarb for Yazd, Mohammadshahr, Kararj, Hashtgerd, Ramsar, Esfehan, and Varamin populations were 1414.16, 1359.34, 1057.62, 970.33, 881.87, 806.14, and 601.98 ppm, respectively. According to results, aphid populations of Varamin and Yazd had the most susceptibility to pirimicarb and malathion, respectively. Also, aphids of Yazd and Ramsar populations had the least susceptibility to pirimicarb and malathion, respectively. Regarding the fact that Yazd and Ramsar populations had the least susceptibility to pirimicarb and malathion, respectively, there is a possibility that melon aphids in these regions are susceptible to other organophosphate and carbamate pesticides with similar mode of action. Therefore, in the pest management program, careful chemical control measures for melon aphid in these regions is recommended.